Press Story

The leading think tank based in the North has responded to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, which has been laid before parliament this afternoon.

Zoë Billingham, director of IPPR North said:

“Today’s Bill tips the balance of power further into the hands our local and regional leaders. It will give leaders and their communities critical tools – from protecting progress on devolution in statute, to stronger regional planning levers through to a default right for communities to buy local assets. Together these changes will help rebuild trust in politics and drive national growth from the bottom up.

“We welcome the government taking on board IPPR North’s recommendation to boost democratic power locally. The Bill shifts back to a Supplementary Vote (SV) system of voting, where voters can express a first and second preference, from First Past the Post where you have only one vote. Today’s Bill gives people more choice and a louder voice.

“Now it’s over to MPs and Lords to make this Bill even better. They can do this by adding fiscal levers for Mayors – staring with a visitor levy – to signal they’re serious about deepening devolution and enabling Mayors to make the big choices for their places”.

ENDS

CONTACT: Rosie Lockwood, head of media and advocacy for IPPR North, on 07585772633 or r.lockwood@ippr.org.

NOTES:

IPPR North is the leading think-tank for the north of England, developing bold ideas for a stronger economy and prosperous places and people. For more information, visit ippr.org/north.