Think tank calls for devo deal for counties

A THINK tank says  the Government needs to change its approach to devolution for counties like Lancashire, Cumbria and Cheshire.

IPPR, one of the key though-leaders on the devoltion of powers from Whitehall,  says it fears a ‘one size fits all model’ is being adopted by government officials.

In a report it says that Counties represent 41% of the English economy and are home to more active businesses than any other part of the country – but they could do even better with more devolved powers.

Counties cover 86% of England’s landmass, represent half the country’s population and have seen a 26% rise in new businesses, only just behind London in businesses created per 10,000 of population.

The report outlines how English counties can exploit their huge economic potential as the government assesses 38 devolution bids ahead of the Comprehensive Spending Review.

To avoid counties being excluded from the benefits and opportunities of evolution, the research recommends:
•    Making the devolution process more transparent. It has so far been characterised by  ‘unwritten rules’ from Whitehall;
•    Government should accept that county devolution requires a different approach to cities. Directly-elected mayors are more suited to Core Cities, not complex multi-tiered counties;
•    Counties should involve the public and local enterprise partnerships in devolution deals, and open themselves up to greater accountability.

Ed Cox, director of IPPR North, said:”Counties need devolution every bit as much as the big cities and, with the right support and empowerment, there is a massive opportunity to unleash their economic potential.

“Devolution deals can drive economic development, but the process needs far more understanding and flexibility from government to work for the counties, who have different needs and organisational structures.

“The danger otherwise is a one-size-fits-all approach to mayors means huge swathes of the country are cut off from the benefits of devolution, stymieing their potential to grow and reform public services.”

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