Source · Select Committees · Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Recommendation 18
18
Paragraph: 139
There was a lack of consensus on the merits of moving to unitary authorities and...
Recommendation
There was a lack of consensus on the merits of moving to unitary authorities and resistance to making structural changes a condition of devolution. The combined authority model may not be appropriate in all places and should not be a condition of a deal. The Government should commission a review of the benefits and costs, in economic, democratic, local connection, and service delivery terms, that have resulted from previous moves to unitary authority structures. This review would help inform the on-going debate over the structures of local authorities.
Paragraph Reference:
139
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Local government reorganisation can help to simplify the patchwork of local government structures, creating institutions with both strong and accountable strategic leadership over an optimal geography for delivering high quality public services, and effective community engagement and leadership at the most local levels which places need. These reforms can increase the sustainability and resilience of local government and local public services, which make an essential contribution to the achievement of levelling up outcomes in places. The Government’s future approach is set out in the Levelling Up White Paper. It recognises that whilst there is a case for wholesale spatial and institutional reform, this could distract from the implementation of improved local government services and outcomes and delay the agreement and implementation of devolution deals. Hence, reorganisation remains a locally-led avenue available where there is broad local support, but will not be a requirement for a devolution deal. The Government intends to follow an incremental approach, using existing legislation to work with areas which are seeking to establish reformed local governance structures. There is not a one size fits all approach to English devolution and areas will want to choose the right governance model for them. However, whilst the devolution framework is flexible, it does place a strong emphasis on the importance of strong and accountable local governance, particularly high profile, directly elected local leadership, and joint working across sensible and coherent economic geographies. It also recognises that a Mayoral Combined Authority may not be appropriate for every area in England by providing for County Deals to support levelling up over a county geography.