Angela Rayner to Empower Local Regions in Devolution Overhaul for Growth Boost

New Powers for Local Regions

ANGELA Rayner is set to grant new powers to local regions to help turbo-charge growth.

The Deputy PM is planning a devolution overhaul, aiming to transfer more responsibilities out of Westminster in key areas such as transport, education, and planning.

Empowering Local Authorities

Whitehall is pushing for a handover of powers to those with "skin in the game," allowing them to oversee local issues like employment support and housing.

Currently, only about half of the people in England benefit from devolved powers, prompting ministers to advocate for more local authorities to take on additional responsibilities.

Driving Growth Across the Country

In a letter addressed to local leaders, Ms Rayner emphasizes the importance of working together to transform regions and drive growth.

She highlights the need to move away from Westminster's tight control, which has limited opportunities and potential for towns, cities, and villages.

Promoting Investment

Mayors have already played a significant role in attracting new investments to regional areas, such as improvements in transport in Greater Manchester and the arrival of Boeing in South Yorkshire.

Next Steps

Ms Rayner has communicated the new policy to all council leaders running county and unitary councils that are not currently part of a devolution deal.

Approximately 30 bills outlining the new Government's agenda will be revealed in the King's Speech tomorrow.

Open for Business

Meanwhile, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will affirm the UK's confidence and openness for business at the G7 trade ministers' meeting in Italy today.