Andy Burnham has stated that the “days of Whitehall fighting the devolution of power into the regions and nations are over, for good.” This statement comes as a new paper by JP Spencer, head of devolution policy at ThinkLabour, advocates for sweeping new powers for mayors in England.
Spencer's paper, which aligns with Burnham's vision for devolution, suggests that mayors should be granted authority over essential public services such as social care, childcare, and skills development. This shift aims to address the significant regional inequalities within England, where many areas suffer from economic disadvantages.
Empowering Mayors to Transform Local Services
Under Spencer’s proposals, mayors could appoint health and education commissioners responsible for overseeing local schools, GPs, and childcare providers. This would mirror the role of police and crime commissioners, allowing for more localized decision-making and accountability.
Moreover, mayors would gain direct control over sixth-form colleges and the government's skills agenda, potentially receiving over £4 billion from the growth and skills levy to facilitate these changes. The aim is to create a more responsive and effective local governance structure.
Addressing Regional Inequality through Devolution
England is known for its stark regional inequalities, with seven of the ten poorest regions in northern Europe. Spencer critiques the existing national command systems, stating, “National command and control systems have proved insufficient to tackling our more complex problems.” His vision calls for a radical restructuring of the state around local democratic boundaries.
