PM pledges new local powers and spending for councils
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The new prime minister has committed £300m to fund greater devolution across the UK.
Boris Johnson this week continued his regional tour with the announcement of £300m to fund economic growth deals to all parts of the United Kingdom.
There would be three deals for Scotland, two in Northern Ireland and a Mid-Wales growth deal.
The commitment built on his first major policy speech in Manchester last week, which included a £3.6bn pledge to improve transport, broadband and cultural infrastructure in deprived towns.
Johnson had also outlined policy plans that included improving “basic liveability”.
Along with a commitment to more police, the prime minister said he wanted to improve social care, housing and schools.
“The British people cannot understand why the health service is able to provide the same care for everyone, regardless of income and yet the social care system cripples those with savings,” Johnson said.
“We will increase the minimum level of per pupil funding in primary and secondary schools and return education funding to previous levels by the end of this parliament.”
The prime minister also highlighted the successes of regional mayors and devolution.
Johnson said he wanted more towns and cities to become self-governing: “London and Manchester have boomed partly because they have had Mayors – some better than others, I would say, but all with the power to speak for their cities, to bang heads together, to get things done.”
With all eyes now on a potential autumn statement, councils are hopeful that, with former communities secretary Sajid Javid now promoted to chancellor, they may get a fairer hearing at the Treasury.
Local government leaders in England backed the renewed interest in devolution but warned an £8bn funding gap must be closed to meet the new prime minister’s pledges to communities.
The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents councils, said its members liked the tone but warned the policy pledges were unfunded spending commitments at a time when local authority budgets are at breaking point.
James Jamieson, chairman of the LGA, said: “The prime minister has rightly acknowledged the need to bring decision-making closer to local people.
“It is vital that communities in all parts of the country have access to the benefits of devolution.
“When councils have the freedoms and funding to make local decisions, there is clear and significant evidence that outcomes improve and the country gets better value for money.
“However, with councils facing a funding gap of £8bn by 2025, the Spending Review also needs to provide councils with the resources to ensure delivery of vital services keep pace with newly regenerated town centres that local communities can enjoy.”
Cllr Martin Hill, County Councils Network spokesman for devolution, and leader of Lincolnshire County Council, also backed the agenda but called for more funding.
He said: “Counties’ ambition for genuinely devolved powers and fresh resource still burns brightly and if the shackles are taken off then we have much to offer the new government in helping solve some of its biggest domestic issues, not least in housing, care, and economic growth.”
