Welcome to August’s edition of the LGA’s Devolution Bulletin.  

The LGA has begun work on developing a white paper that will present a clear vision for the future of local government. Watch this space for more information on the White Paper and how you can be involved. Government has published new guidance in relation to the withdrawal of funding from LEPs. The guidance also clarifies how the functions will be transferred and the role of combined authorities.  

Combined Authorities are in the news with the East Midlands devolution programme announcing that they have appointed Mark Rogers as an interim chief officer, whilst South Yorkshire Combined Authority has been tackling high levels of in work poverty which is explored in this paper by the Inclusive Growth Network.  

Greater Manchester have been working with Collaborate for Social Change to look at how it has achieved things through working with its partners and the theme of collaboration continues with the LGA producing a position statement on how through using the principles of Work Local, to align and collectively develop the green skills and jobs that are needed. 

Lastly, on 3 October the LGA will be hosting a virtual zoom event that is looking at the role of local government in supporting economic inclusion. 

LGA begins work on Local Government White Paper 

The LGA’s white paper will present a clear vision for the future of local government, based on priorities from the public, councils and local communities and set out a series of recommendations for whoever forms the next government. 

The good work agenda in South Yorkshire

The Inclusive Growth Network explores how the South Yorkshire Combined Authority is tackling high levels of in-work poverty and job insecurity and increasing opportunities for progression into higher paid roles. 

East Midlands devolution programme appoints interim chief

Mark Rogers has been appointed as the interim chief officer of the East Midlands Devolution programme, as part of plans to establish a mayoral combined authority.  

How much was spent on public services on your area in 2022/23?

This calculator produced by the Institute for Fiscal Studies helps you to identify how much your area receives for key public services, and whether this funding is in line with patterns of needs. 

Emerging opportunities for the rural economy in protected areas 

This LGA case study identifies a range of opportunities that are emerging for businesses within the rural economy of Rother.  

Collaboration for social change in Greater Manchester

‘Collaborate for Social Change’ hosted an event with GMCA and their partners to explore what made this collaboration possible and what others can learn from GMCA’s experience.  

Integration of LEP functions into local democratic institutions 

This guidance for Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) and local and combined authorities sets out the government approach to how they will withdraw central support (core funding) for LEPs from April 2024 and transfer LEP functions to local authorities where appropriate, and where not already delivered by combined authorities.

Green Jobs: creating the workforce to deliver net zero 

A new relationship, through a national strategic framework and local delivery partnerships model, can enable councils and combined authorities to bring together skill providers, businesses, industries, and other organisations to collectively develop the workforce needed to deliver net zero. Using the principles of Work Local, this policy position sets out how this relationship could operate, bringing together net zero and the skills system to align and collectively develop the green skills and jobs that are needed. 

UKSPF support for local authorities 

We have identified some existing learning materials and resources to help councils deliver their UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocations as well as wider levelling up related interventions. The identified resources may support local authorities in the strategic direction of their UKSPF and support collaboration with stakeholders and neighbouring authorities.  

3 October 2023, 2.00pm - 3.30pm, online 

This virtual zoom meeting will reflect on the learning from LGA’s recent work on equality, diversity, and economic inclusion. Our analysis of the employment and skills landscape revealed that equality and diversity is not completely reflected in jobs, skills, and training opportunities – stark inequalities are prevalent in both people and places. 

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