Source · Select Committees · Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Recommendation 4
4
Paragraph: 41
The lack of transparency and public engagement in the negotiation of devolution deals have not...
Recommendation
The lack of transparency and public engagement in the negotiation of devolution deals have not been addressed since our predecessor committee’s 2016 report. Both have remained minimal. We reiterate our predecessor committee’s recommendation that there should be greater efforts to engage the public before as well as after negotiations, through consultations, citizens assemblies and better publicity. To ensure that local councils use their limited resources on compiling proposals with a chance of being accepted, the Government should also publish the criteria it uses to assess and agree proposals.
Paragraph Reference:
41
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government has committed to an extensive and comprehensive process of engagement and informal consultation across the whole of the UK on the proposals in this White Paper. The Government has published a devolution framework, so that local partners are clear about the scope of our devolution offer, while retaining some flexibility to accommodate further bespoke devolution measures subject to a strong strategic case. The Levelling Up White Paper sets out Government’s offer of deeper and further devolution in exchange for commitments from local leaders to heightened scrutiny, transparency and accountability. High-profile, directly elected leaders (such as a mayor) provide a single point of accountability to local citizens, which is why the most comprehensive devolution package will only be available to areas with a directly elected mayor. In addition, Government will establish a new body focused on data, transparency and robust evidence to enhance the Government’s understanding of place-based leadership, quality of local service delivery and organisational efficacy. By building a shared dataset that is universally accessible, quality assured, and