The shape of devolution

Article

How do we create transparent, fair and practical footprints for local power across England?

Finding the right shape of the footprints to devolve power to in England is a complex exercise that requires consideration of a wide range of issues including economic, functionality, populations, public services, places and identities as well as institutional practices and memory and policy development. More often than not, resorting to the principle of ‘administrative convenience’ has been common practice.

Yet, with a new government pledging to widen and deepen devolution, and the idea of ‘completing the map’ coming to the fore, the question arises again: how do we create transparent, fair and practical footprints for local power across England? In a landscape dotted with ad-hoc political geographies and ‘devolution deserts’, what geographical shape should devolution take?

This essay explores what practical, holistic, people-focused footprints for devolution could take into account.

Related items

  1. One year in: the government is making decent down payments for the years ahead

    It’s fair to say it hasn’t been a straightforward first year for the government. 

  2. Britons back local leaders with fiscal firepower

    “Death and taxes,” they say, are life’s only certainties. But there’s a third - wherever taxes are controlled, power lies.
  3. Queen Square Bus Station on Hood Street in Liverpool city centre

    En route to renewal: Delivering better, greener buses

    Good buses drive a strong economy, healthy environment and thriving society.