Source · Select Committees · Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Fourth Report - Progress on devolution in England
Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
HC 36
Published 1 October 2021
Government response
Progress on Devolution in England: Government response to the Select Committee report · published 1 Mar 2022
Recommendations & Conclusions
3
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Para 35
To embed devolution at the heart of central government the new Secretary of State for...
Recommendation
To embed devolution at the heart of central government the new Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities should be responsible for vigorously driving forward English devolution and this should be explicitly stated as one of his responsibilities. …
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Government Response Summary
The government established a new Levelling Up Cabinet Committee, chaired by the Secretary of State, to drive devolution. However, it does not intend to adopt the recommendation for local authorities to report on their interactions with government departments, referencing existing engagement groups instead of a new council.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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8
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Para 71
Financial devolution is necessary to ensure the success of devolution through giving devolved authorities greater...
Recommendation
Financial devolution is necessary to ensure the success of devolution through giving devolved authorities greater freedom from central government, enabling them to take longer-term decisions reflective of their strategic purpose, and enhancing their direct accountability to their electorates. It must …
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Government Response Summary
The government commits to exploring further flexibilities for combined authorities to raise funding through the business rates system and will publish a policy consultation on an Online Sales Tax shortly. It also outlines plans to allow councils to charge double council tax on homes left empty for over a year.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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20
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Para 155
There is no consensus on the optimum structure for scrutiny in a devolved authority, including...
Recommendation
There is no consensus on the optimum structure for scrutiny in a devolved authority, including as to whether the London Assembly is superior to the existing combined authority structures. The new audit arrangements being introduced by the Government should consider …
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Government Response Summary
The government commits to strengthening the local audit system and enhancing transparency, but explicitly states it has no current plans to change policy regarding the London Assembly's powers, such as receiving a forward plan, call-in powers, or veto rights over mayoral appointments.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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