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North Yorkshire Council was established last year following the consolidation of eight local authorities.
New proposals for local government reform in England could potentially lead to the dissolution of district councils and the increased presence of elected mayors. These plans aim to simplify governance through mergers of existing councils and enhance service delivery.
Government officials are expected to unveil a document outlining intentions to unify service areas under single councils, particularly in regions where there are currently dual-tier systems comprised of district and county councils.
The initiative also seeks to empower elected metro mayors with expanded responsibilities in planning matters, which is anticipated to facilitate faster development of housing and infrastructure projects.
Nevertheless, the District Councils’ Network has expressed concerns that such reforms may lead to significant disruption, arguing that the creation of large councils could diminish local governance.
The structure of local government in England remains diverse and intricate, having undergone numerous changes recently.
In many regions, county councils oversee large-scale services such as social care and education, while district councils manage more localized services like waste collection.
Some larger towns and cities operate under “unitary” authorities that handle all local services, while areas surrounding major urban centers are emerging as combined authorities with expanded responsibilities in transport, planning, and housing.
The Conservative government previously established 11 combined authority areas, each led by an elected metro mayor, with a goal of providing every region in England that seeks additional powers with a devolution deal by 2030.
Despite these efforts, around half of England’s population resides in areas that have yet to receive such deals.
The Labour government has committed to broadening the use of local powers as part of a strategy to stimulate economic growth and increase housing availability.
‘Default position’
The forthcoming paper is likely to advocate for the transition towards unitary council structures across England, encouraging areas with dual-tier governance to develop merger proposals.
The justification for streamlining local government will hinge on the premise that it would enable the establishment of more potent local mayors, which Labour views as essential for overcoming infrastructural hurdles and attracting investment.
These elected mayors would govern regions encompassing multiple councils, gaining additional authority over critical areas like planning and public transportation.
Such reforms could result in the closure of numerous district councils, leading some critics to argue that local decision-making would be compromised.
Implementing these changes would necessitate nationwide agreements similar to the merger that created North Yorkshire’s current unitary authority, formed from eight councils last year.
If executed, this reorganization represents the most significant alteration to local governance in decades, surpassing Labour’s previous electoral commitments.
The timeline and specific methods for enacting these changes remain unclear, with uncertainty over whether the government will employ legal measures to enforce mergers or incentivize cooperation through financial support.
Labour claims that simplifying local government will enhance efficiency and yield cost savings through better service delivery.
During the upcoming speech, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner will emphasize making devolution the standard practice for governmental operations, empowering councils with the necessary tools to stimulate economic growth and elevate living standards.
However, past attempts to reorganize local governments have often resulted in disputes regarding jurisdictional boundaries and authority distribution.
‘Period of turmoil’
The proposed changes face opposition from the District Councils’ Network (DCN), which argues that historical reorganizations have shown little success in achieving savings for taxpayers.
Vice-chair Hannah Dalton cautioned that creating larger councils could actually hinder devolution efforts.
She warned that substantial reorganization could incite a “period of turmoil,” distracting councils from focusing on essential services like housing and job creation, which could alleviate pressures on the NHS.
A spokesperson for the Conservative party criticized Rayner’s announcement, describing it as an effort to undermine local council authority and impose reorganizations without local consensus.
While acknowledging the need for more housing, the spokesperson insisted that development should occur in suitable locations.
In contrast, the County Councils Network (CCN) has expressed support for the plans, highlighting a growing recognition among its members of the necessity for reorganization to secure more funding from the government and ensure financial sustainability.
Tim Oliver, the CCN chairman, noted that many counties realize that reorganization is pivotal in unlocking additional resources from central government.
Cllr Louise Gittins, chair of the Local Government Association (LGA), stated that authentic devolution of powers and resources is crucial for fostering inclusive economic growth, job creation, and enhancing public services. She emphasized that while her members are open to reform, any restructuring should be a decision made by councils and local communities.
Planning powers
The upcoming paper is also expected to outline strategies for enhanced collaboration among councils in planning transportation and infrastructure initiatives.
Upper-tier councils, including current county councils and unitary authorities, will be tasked with developing streamlined “spatial development” strategies for large-scale projects.
Since taking office in July, Labour has announced four devolution agreements encompassing Greater Lincolnshire, Hull and East Yorkshire, Devon and Torbay, and Lancashire.
Overall, combined authorities have made more substantial progress in northern England compared to their southern counterparts regarding the establishment of devolution deals.
In parts of the South West and East Anglia, there has been less enthusiasm for these agreements, which would require meeting minimum population thresholds potentially leading to the formation of larger combined councils.
Labour’s Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham endorsed the plans for his region but noted that they did not extend far enough in providing elected mayors with jurisdiction over skills initiatives, an area of local significance where a centralized educational approach could impede economic advancement.
Source
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