Regional mayors across England have been given a series of new powers under the government’s flagship ‘Right to Request’ scheme.
The measures were announced by Communities Secretary Steve Reed ahead of a meeting of the mayoral council in York on 4 June, the first since the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act came into force earlier this year.
The scheme lets mayors formally ask the government for extra powers, funding, or new ways of working with departments and ministers must respond within six months.
A series of bespoke agreements has now been approved, covering areas including youth justice, flood resilience, cultural investment and support for children with special educational needs.
In Greater Manchester, a new pilot project will look at a new approach to youth justice. It will focus on early help for young people, to try and stop them entering the criminal justice system.
Meanwhile, in South Yorkshire, a partnership has been agreed with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Environment Agency to develop new approaches to flood resilience and water management.
The West Midlands will work with the government to improve support for young children, including those with special educational needs, while Liverpool City Region will collaborate with Whitehall departments on the use of technology and data to enhance public services.
The North East has also secured a role in discussions with Arts Council England on future cultural funding arrangements, with the aim of aligning investment more closely with regional priorities and economic growth objectives.
The announcements are part of wider plans to give more powers to local leaders. This includes handing over more control over transport decisions and some funding for innovation.
Steve Reed said: ‘This government is serious about shifting power out of Westminster and into the hands of our mayors.
‘These agreements mean real change for communities across the country with more local decision-making, better services and a stronger voice for people who know their areas best. That’s what devolution is all about.’
Image: Jamie Street/UnSplash
In related news:
Parents take legal action after council refuses to investigate nursery abuse case
Leave a Reply