On 16 December, the Government published an English Devolution White Paper which, it says,
"initiates the biggest transfer of power out of Westminster to
England's regions this century". It includes plans to extend
the coverage of Strategic Authorities such as the GLA and the
Combined Authorities to all areas of England, replacing the current
deals-based approach with devolution as the default option.
Legislation will set out the powers that go with each type of
authority. Local leaders will be given time to agree on a
proposal for an authority for their area, but Ministers will have
the power to impose one where no agreement is reached.
Among other powers, Strategic Mayors will be responsible for
producing a Spatial Development Strategy and receive powers to call
in planning applications. There will be increased
collaboration with Homes England, aiming to gradually transition to
a more regional approach for allocating housing funds.
Additionally, mayors will have the authority to guide the strategic
direction of any future affordable housing programs.
Also of major significance for ARCH members are the Government's
plans for local government reorganisation. The White Paper
announces that the Government will "facilitate a programme of local
government organisation for two-tier areas, and for unitary
councils where there is evidence of failure or where their size or
boundaries may be hindering their ability to deliver sustainable
and high-quality public services". Proposals for
reorganisation will be invited from all these areas. The White
Paper states that "the aim for most areas is to create councils
with a population of 500,000 or more". If so, the great
majority of ARCH member authorities are likely to be affected
sooner or later.