Source · Select Committees · Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Recommendation 16
16
We have heard, both in this inquiry and our inquiry into local government and the...
Recommendation
We have heard, both in this inquiry and our inquiry into local government and the path to net-zero, that local government can play an important role in policies relating to energy efficiency. The Government should strongly consider the case for devolution of further powers in this area. It should also examine how additional oversight can be given to local government of the environment, aspects of farming and forestry policies, and the takeover of public assets. (Paragraph 121) Widening the geography of devolution
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Last year the Prime Minister set out the Government’s intention to take a flexible approach to devolution, so that local leaders in our historic towns and counties, including in rural areas, are given the tools to make things happen for their communities. County Deals will offer the rest of England similar powers as metro mayors over functions such as transport, skills and economic support and allow communities to come together and feel pride for the place they live. A mayor will not be a pre-requisite for a new devolution deal although the Government does believe that high-profile, directly elected leaders (such as a mayor) will be most effective for levelling up: providing a single point of accountability to local citizens, acting as a champion for their areas and attracting investment and opportunity to their places. As such, the most comprehensive devolution package will only be available to areas with a directly elected mayor. The Government will consider other governance proposals that increase stability and strengthen local leadership over a sensible geography. It will also look to allow mayors to use different titles, appreciating that alternative terms may feel more fitting particularly in more rural areas. The devolution framework sets out different levels of devolution dependent on governance, in which devolution deals can be negotiated with areas who are not choosing a directly elected mayor.