Devolution deal for Metro Mayors
Devolution in England has resulted in a number of devolution deals with combined authorities created, certain powers developed and local mayors elected.
This article is taken from November's public matters newsletter. Click here to view more articles from this issue.
Devolution in England has resulted in a number of devolution deals with combined authorities created, certain powers developed and local mayors elected. The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) was the first to benefit from devolution in the North West. Other regions have followed suit with devolution deals being agreed and mayors elected for the following regions:
- Liverpool City Region
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
- North Tyne
- West Midlands
- West England, and
- Tees Valley.
The powers given to each combined authority and metro mayor vary. However, the devolution deal achieved by the GMCA is thought to be the most advanced in terms of the powers that it provides including some funding being devolved.
It is reported that the mayors of each region listed above have been formally offered devolution deals similar to that of the GMCA. The purpose of these offers is reported to level up all mayors to Greater Manchester level as that is the most advanced. Powers over public health and social care functions has been excluded on the basis that the mayors have indicated that they do not want responsibilities in that area.
At a time when ‘taking back control’ and local decision making seems to continue to dominate our public discourse, positive developments in respect of devolution deals are important and timely.
Levelling powers devolved through the various devolution deals to what has been granted to the GMCA presents real opportunities to develop local industrial strategies, as well as consolidate budgets and strategies in respect of education and skills, housing and planning, transport and for some health and social care.
In addition, these arrangements not only devolve political and fiscal powers but also have the potential for local combined authorities and mayors to address economic inequality by pooling resources to address particular challenges or linking development of skills towards industries targeted through local industrial strategies.
Contact
Mark Hickson
Head of Business Development
onlineteaminbox@brownejacobson.com
+44 (0)370 270 6000
Related expertise
You may be interested in...
Legal Update
June 2025: A busy month for kinship care
Legal Update
A new planning bill for Wales: What will this mean?
Legal Update
PuFin takes flight: Homes England launches new bank
Guide
Legal project management: A cornerstone in operational delivery of inquiries
Legal Update
Navigating legal realities and Reform in local authorities
Legal Update
Analysis: National audit on group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse (June 2025)
Press Release
Browne Jacobson comments on the government's 10 year infrastructure strategy
Legal Update
What might the public inquiry on child sexual exploitation look like
Legal Update
Producing robust capacity assessments and the approaches to assessing capacity
Legal Update - Public matters newsletter
Public matters: May 2025
Legal Update
Is the standards regime about to undergo a significant overhaul?
Video
Investigations and inquiries into child sexual exploitation and grooming
Legal Update
Navigating the streets: The legal landscape of low traffic neighbourhoods
Legal Update - Planning reform
All change: The implications of planning reform upon regeneration projects
Legal Update
Supporting local authorities in tackling housing challenges
Published Article
Andrew Walker, Bridget Tatham: The case for better risk management
Press Release
Browne Jacobson appointed to Adra legal framework as housing association launches 2030 vision
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson appoints Will Thomas as Partner in planning team
Press Release
Browne Jacobson signs strategic partnership with Local Government Information Unit
Press Release
Browne Jacobson to explore skills challenges in built environment at UKREiiF event
Opinion
The Court of Appeal explains why a local authority cannot consent to the confinement of a looked after child
Legal Update - Public matters newsletter
Public matters: April 2025
Legal Update
Conservation covenants: A useful tool in the toolbox?
Legal Update
Changes to s.106 procedures required to safeguard planning permission
Legal Update - Planning reform
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill: Clause 45 compulsory training for members of local planning authorities
Legal Update
Safeguarding children: Effective strategies for prevention and response
Legal Update
Government publishes response to consultation on Subsidy Control Regime
Legal Update
Making public inquiry recommendations work
Legal Update
Modification of public health contracts and routes to challenge a modification that is not permitted
Legal Update
Martyn’s Law: Implications for public authorities
Legal Update
Navigating the complexities of deprivation of liberty for children under 16
Legal Update
Do whistleblowing protections extend to external job applicants?
Legal Update
The age assessment process for local authorities
Press Release
Browne Jacobson returns to UKREiiF 2025
Legal Update - Public matters newsletter
Public matters: March 2025
Legal Update - Procurement Act
Handling disputes during the standstill period under the Procurement Act 2023
Legal Update
Iechyd da to the Welsh Provider Selection Regime
Legal Update
Information Commissioner announces new AI guidance and package of measures to support the Government’s growth agenda
Legal Update
Local authority code of conduct investigations: What could change following the government’s consultation
