Ed Balls MP, John Healey MP, Chris Leslie, NLGN call for a “New Deal on Decentralisation” for English regions, cities and towns

July 24, 2006

A new pamphlet from the New Local Government Network – written by Ed Balls MP, Economic Secretary, HM Treasury, John Healey MP, Financial Secretary, HM Treasury and Chris Leslie, Director, NLGN – points a new way ahead for regional policy in England as a means of driving growth and prosperity, and exploring options for reform of governance and accountability in the years ahead.



Building on decentralisation and devolution in Scotland, Wales and London, the authors suggest a new approach needed to reflect the evolving role of local government, Regional Development Agencies, regional assemblies, Parliament and Government itself. Seeking to take the debate on regionalism forward, the pamphlet argues for greater devolution to the regions and local government, and greater collaboration within city regions without imposing fixed models or new governance structures on our towns and cities.



Evolution and Devolution in England: how regions strengthen our towns and cities also suggests:


  • New powers and flexibilities for local government and RDAs;
  • Caution on city-region governance models and scepticism about imposing sub-regional Mayoral arrangements where they do not fit local identities;

  • New Regional Select Committee style bodies in Parliament; and

  • A monthly Question Time in Parliament to discuss issues relating to each region in England;

Following the ‘no’ vote in the North East in 2004, a renewed approach to decentralising power in England is required. The accountability divide between the public and regional institutions can be overcome with this new approach, and the authors argue that a new role for national Parliament and local democracy is the key.



The pamphlet concludes:



“Our challenge now is to show how and why regionalism can be a driving force in tackling the social, economic and political inequalities which persist in England. By reforming existing institutions and using existing elected representatives to shift the focus from Whitehall to the English regions, we believe that the constitution of the United Kingdom will develop in a healthier, inclusive and fair manner.



“If we weaken the role of the RDAs, the losers would be the cities themselves – and also the smaller towns and cities who have benefited greatly from the new regional policy… Strengthening the regional agenda is the best way to get local authorities working together – without a return to the old local antagonisms, and without excluding the smaller towns and cities from their fair share of the action.”



Media enquiries: Chris Leslie on 020 7357 0063



Notes for Editors:



The New Local Government Network (NLGN) is an independent think tank, seeking to transform public services, revitalise local political leadership and empower local communities.



Evolution and Devolution in England: how regions strengthen our towns and cities by Ed Balls MP, John Healey MP and Chris Leslie is published on Monday 24th July.


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