New regional mayors

Further developments in English regional devolution took place this month

Alongside the local elections on the 2nd May this year, 10 of England's 12 metropolitan areas held mayoral elections, with three of these being new posts - in North Yorkshire, the North East, and the East Midlands. According to the Institute for Government, the recent polls were the biggest English regional elections held so far, covering 44% of the English population. This clearly represents a significant step forward in the quiet revolution that is English regional devolution.

A quick reminder of the arguments related to this part of the UK's constitutional landscape...

These can be considered as the arguments in favour of English regional devolution

• It is much more efficient to have the regions concerned with policy delivery involved in the formulation of policy,
• On a related note, this would additionally this would relieve the burden on central government.
• Evidence from the Celtic arenas suggests that there are clear benefits to bringing the government closer to the people since policies can be designed to fit the needs of the people in different regions
• The governmental structures we have now are in need of remodelling: local government was designed to fit the needs of the mid-nineteenth century and central government expanded in the middle of the twentieth to meet the demands of that time.
• Since the (unelected) Regional Development Agencies were scrapped in 2012 there is a lack of strategic co-ordination across many regions (except London, and Greater Manchester for example) with regards to economic development, regeneration, plans to boost employment, and so forth.
• It would provide a counter-point to London-centricism; it is difficult to think of another polity that is so dominated economically and politically by its nation’s biggest city.
• The regions in England need to have a platform that will give their area a voice enabling them to lobby central government for increased funding.

These can be considered as the arguments against English regional devolution

• If every region in England were to have some sort of devolution, then regions would be fighting amongst themselves for the same amount of money that was available before.
• Government would not be brought closer to the people unless the devolved powers assume real powers – as in Scotland.
• Any new structures would merely add an extra layer of bureaucracy.
• Regional assemblies would do little to improve economic performance within the regions.
• Claims that devolution would usher in a new form of politics have not been borne out by experiences in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

What does this actually mean for a particular region? A recent Guardian article focused on the East Midlands, and this represents an interesting case study for students looking at the topic.

Questions on the video
1. How does local Devolution in England lead to better policymaking according to its advocates?
2. What are the benefits of local leaders and Metro Mayors making informed decisions on spending priorities compared to cabinet ministers in Westminster?
3. Can you provide an example of strong local policymaking that has led to improvements in public transport infrastructure in Greater Manchester?
4. How does Devolution encourage integration between councils and local authorities to improve economic and social outcomes?
5. What positive economic growth indicators have been observed in Greater Manchester since its first Devolution deal with the government?
6. How has Birmingham's Tech sector benefited from regional Devolution under West Midland's mayor Andy Street?
7. Why do Metro mayors generally enjoy higher approval ratings within their regions compared to MPS at the national level, based on the information provided in the video transcript?

Correct answers:
1. Local Devolution in England is believed to lead to better policymaking as local leaders and Metro Mayors have a deeper understanding of their areas and can make more informed decisions on spending priorities.
2. The benefits of local leaders and Metro Mayors making informed decisions include taking a longer-term approach, avoiding delays and changes common in Westminster, and ultimately leading to cost-effective project implementation.
3. An example of strong local policymaking improving public transport infrastructure is Greater Manchester's introduction of the B Network, a London-style public transport network consisting of electric buses, cycle lanes, trams, and new Commuter Rail lines.
4. Devolution encourages integration between councils and local authorities to align key drivers of economic growth such as transport, skills, housing, and planning for improved economic and social outcomes.
5. Greater Manchester has seen steady improvements in its local economy, industrial growth, and job creation since its first Devolution deal with the government, with a significant rise in employment rate between 2013 and 2023.
6. Birmingham's Tech sector has experienced growth and increased investment under West Midland's mayor Andy Street, with the sector growing by an average of 7.6% per year between 2014 and 2020, the fastest in the UK.
7. Metro mayors enjoy higher approval ratings within their regions due to their local expertise being valued, as shown by favorable views towards figures like Andy Burnham and Andy Street compared to national politicians.

Activities

• Define what is meant devolution.
• Explain the different powers of regional bodies throughout the UK.
• Discuss whether more power should be given to devolved governments.