Welcome to a slightly late November edition of the LGA’s Devolution Bulletin.
The Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 is now an Act of Parliament. Within the Bill there are new laws to speed up the planning system and enable more new homes to be built. Kerry Booth, Chief Executive, Rural Services Network reviews what the bill means for rural areas.
The Government have produced several new guidance documents. The first is to help with understanding the decision-making process for selecting successful bids to Round 3 of the Levelling Up Fund, the second is the technical paper on the Level 4 devolution framework and the third is the scrutiny protocol for English institutions with devolved powers.
The LGA continues to develop its White Paper and are seeking views from local government to help develop a strong case. To support this the LGA are asking councils to submit their strongest piece of evidence which will help to demonstrate to a new or returning Government that a more empowered local government could deliver the public’s priorities more effectively.
Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill
Following agreement by both Houses on the text of the bill the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 received Royal Assent on 26 October 2023. The bill is now an Act of Parliament. New laws came into force to speed up the planning system, hold developers to account, cut bureaucracy, and encourage more councils to put in place plans to enable the building of new homes.
Rural Services Network Chief Executive reviews what the Levelling Up Bill will mean for rural areas
The government is waking up to the fact that 40 per cent of constituencies are rural and these votes will be crucial to winning the next election. Rural can no longer be overlooked.
Autumn Statement 2023
The LGA’s on the day briefing following the Government’s Autumn Statement 2023 summarises the key announcements for councils and provides an initial LGA view.
Hull and East Yorkshire devolution deal 2023
Proposed agreement for a devolution deal between the government and Kingston Upon Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
Greater Lincolnshire devolution deal 2023
Proposed agreement for a devolution deal between the government and the local authorities of Lincolnshire County Council, North East Lincolnshire, and North Lincolnshire Council. A devolution deal would mean £24 million of government funding would come to the area every year for 30 years, along with additional responsibilities. The overall aims are to promote economic growth, put councils in charge of money that was previously spent from Westminster and take more decisions locally.
Lancashire devolution deal
Proposed agreement for a devolution deal between the government and Lancashire County Council, Blackpool Council and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.
Cornwall devolution deal (Kevambos Digresennans Kernow) 2023
Proposed agreement for a devolution deal between the government and Cornwall Council.
Green light to finalising a Devon and Torbay Devolution Deal
The Government has confirmed plans to finalise a ground-breaking devolution deal with Devon and Torbay. This will include new funding to support skills training and new jobs in the area’s growing green economy.
A County Deal for Surrey
Following the Chancellor’s announcement in the Autumn Statement regarding the extension of devolution and further County Deals, Surrey County Council is engaging in discussions with Government on a Level 2 County Deal.
LGA responds to Levelling Up Fund third round announcement
The LGA responds to the announcement of projects awarded in the third and final round of funding from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.
Crime reduction and safety funding in West Yorkshire
West Yorkshire Combined Authority has announced that funding is being allocated to help with crime reduction and the increasing of safety on the streets of the county.
100 care leavers win Combined Authority backing to support training
One hundred young people leaving the care system have now benefitted from a bursary set up by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CAPCA) to fund education and training to support their futures.
Income tax change could raise £5.6 billion for local government
Reallocating 2 per cent of income tax receipts could raise an estimated £5.6 billion for local government, according to calculations made by an economic think-tank.
Boost for UK’s life sciences sector as West Yorkshire hosts England’s third Investment Zone
The government has launched England’s third investment zone in West Yorkshire focussed on Huddersfield, Bradford and Leeds, which will help to create more than 2,500 new jobs across the region over the next five years, and could unlock £220 million in investment.
Publications
Levelling Up Fund Round 3: explanatory and methodology note on the decision-making process
This document sets out the decision-making process for selecting successful bids to Round 3 of the Levelling Up Fund.
Technical paper on Level 4 devolution framework
This document sets out the devolution framework Level 4 policies that are on offer to existing Level 3 institutions by application to the government.
Scrutiny Protocol for English institutions with devolved powers
This scrutiny protocol provides guidance regarding overview and scrutiny committees in combined authorities and is a key part of making sure that institutions’ overview and scrutiny arrangements are of the highest possible standards for holding them to account for delivery as well as for playing a critical role in policy and strategy development.
Dozens of businesses launch new West Yorkshire fair work charter
The West Yorkshire Fair Work Charter was unveiled on 24 November at an event at the University of Bradford by Mayor Tracy Brabin, to an audience of over 100 people. The charter was developed in partnership with local employers, trade unions and the region’s political leaders. Those signing up have committed to meaningful action across five categories of 'Fair Work', to help build a thriving economy that provides better pay, conditions and opportunities for all.
Sharing learning from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund
Wednesday 6 December 2023, 10.30am - 12.00pm
Focusing on the experiences of councils and combined authorities in their capacity as lead authorities, this webinar provides an opportunity for councils to learn about the development and delivery of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund investment plans, building on the findings of the Shared Intelligence action learning sets.
Sharing ideas
Local Government White Paper
As part of the LGA’s 'Make It Local' campaign work is underway with the sector to develop a white paper from local government for local government and communities. The ambition is to develop a plan for the first King’s Speech after the general election to secure a national-local partnership, a new local deal, in which local government can work to its full potential for our people, our places and our planet.
To set out a strong case we’re asking councils to submit their strongest piece of evidence which will help to demonstrate to a new or returning Government that a more empowered local government could deliver the public’s priorities more effectively. We are also interested in any proposals from across local government for local public service reform which could deliver better services for our communities.
If your council would like to submit examples or proposals for local public service reform, please email these to LGWP@local.gov.uk. Please note the deadline for any submissions is Friday 22 December 2023, however earlier submissions are encouraged ahead of this date.
Reader Survey
Contact the LGA
If you have any thoughts or ideas that you want to share with Jenni, the LGA’s Policy Lead on Devolution Support, regarding this bulletin or the types of support that the LGA offer, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via email jenni.french@local.gov.uk.
The LGA is always looking to hear from authorities who already have a devolution deal in place or are starting on their devolution journey to show case their work – especially where this activity will help inform others who may be experiencing similar issues.
Please pass this bulletin on to any individuals or teams who you may think would benefit from it and if you are not already on our mailing list but would like to join, please go to https://www.local.gov.uk/about/news/e-bulletins and register your interest.
For wider LGA support, please contact your regional principal adviser.
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