The Government has published the Devolution White Paper which sets out their vision and plans for devolving power across the nation.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has vowed to make devolution ‘the default position of government’ and give councils the powers they need to ‘drive growth and raise living standards’.

Proposals in the White Paper include:

• Widening devolution across England, with universal coverage in England of Strategic Authorities. There will also be a ministerial directive to allow the creation of those Strategic Authorities where local leaders, after due time has been allowed, not been able to make progress.
• Unprecedented powers and budgets for Mayors including an integrated settlement to fund local priorities
• Local Government reorganisation – there will be a facilitated programme of local government reorganisation for two tier areas, and for unitary councils where there is evidence of failure or where their size or boundaries may be hindering their ability to deliver sustainable and high quality public services.
• A new approach to communities with partnership working with the most deprived communities to tackle their unique challenges, as well as delivering a new community ‘right to buy’ for valued community assets.

The LGA responded to the White Paper with an overarching view on the opportunity for devolution.

"We want every council in England to be able to secure devolution that works for them, their local economies, and their residents. While different areas will have strong views on what that should look like, genuine devolution of powers and resources can play a huge role in promoting inclusive economic growth, creating jobs, and improving public services. In a very centralised country, moving funding and power from Whitehall to local leaders is needed, but it must be done in a way where empowered councils and the communities they serve are at the heart of decision-making.”

They also warned, “However, devolution is not an end in itself and cannot distract from the severe funding pressures that are pushing local services to the brink. It is vital the forthcoming provisional Local Government Finance Settlement provides councils with a significant and sustained increase in overall funding that reflects current and future demand for services.”

Kerry Booth of the Rural Services Network said: "It will be important that the needs of rural communities are considered in the devolution process, and that strategic policy and approaches developed by Combined Authorities meet the challenges of service delivery in those rural communities. Whilst the new structures are developed, it is important that rural councils nevertheless stay together to argue the rural case.  The Rural Services Network is the only body representing rural service providers and it will continue to champion the needs of rural areas".