Metro mayors seize control of rail services in England's devolution shake-up
- A white paper will be introduced to grant mayors in England greater planning powers.
- The initiative aims to streamline decision-making and improve housing supply across regions.
- Local governance reform is expected to create a significant shift in how councils operate.
In England, a new white paper is set to be unveiled by Angela Rayner, the deputy prime minister, which introduces a significant shift in planning and governance powers for local governments. This policy aims to empower mayors across various regions by allowing them to take control of strategic planning decisions, particularly those that relate to housing, infrastructure, and economic growth. The government hopes that this initiative will lead to a more streamlined approach to addressing delays in planning applications and will ultimately facilitate better housing and development outcomes within local communities. The proposals include the establishment of strategic authorities that consolidate several councils within living and working areas, reducing administrative duplication. This is part of a broader approach to devolution termed 'devolution by default,' which aims to entrust local leaders with more responsibility over their regional strategies. Additionally, the plan stipulates mandatory targets for English councils to construct 370,000 homes annually to alleviate housing shortages. Alongside planning reforms, the white paper outlines a framework for mayors to govern rail services, offering them the authority to tailor these services to meet the economic needs of their respective regions. This initiative parallels the existing Transport for London model, introducing integrated payment systems across different modes of public transport. Proponents, including mayors like Andy Burnham of Greater Manchester, believe these changes will greatly enhance the efficiency and reliability of transport services, thereby stimulating local economies. Despite the anticipated benefits, the reorganization has raised concerns among smaller district councils regarding potential upheaval and the impact on local service delivery. Critics argue that cutting the number of councils could result in a less diverse political landscape and might compromise the focus on critical local services as energies are diverted towards managing new authorities. The overall goal, however, remains clear: a push towards collective decision-making that meets the unique needs of England's varied regions.