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Devolution White Paper published 19/12/2024

On 16 December, the Government published an English Devolution White Paper which, it says, "initiates the biggest transfer of power out of Westminster to England's regions this century".  It includes plans to extend the coverage of Strategic Authorities such as the GLA and the Combined Authorities to all areas of England, replacing the current deals-based approach with devolution as the default option. Legislation will set out the powers that go with each type of authority.  Local leaders will be given time to agree on a proposal for an authority for their area, but Ministers will have the power to impose one where no agreement is reached.

 

Among other powers, Strategic Mayors will be responsible for producing a Spatial Development Strategy and receive powers to call in planning applications.  There will be increased collaboration with Homes England, aiming to gradually transition to a more regional approach for allocating housing funds. Additionally, mayors will have the authority to guide the strategic direction of any future affordable housing programs.

 

Also of major significance for ARCH members are the Government's plans for local government reorganisation. The White Paper announces that the Government will "facilitate a programme of local government organisation for two-tier areas, and for unitary councils where there is evidence of failure or where their size or boundaries may be hindering their ability to deliver sustainable and high-quality public services".  Proposals for reorganisation will be invited from all these areas. The White Paper states that "the aim for most areas is to create councils with a population of 500,000 or more".  If so, the great majority of ARCH member authorities are likely to be affected sooner or later.

 

 

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  • Susan Healy , North Warwickshire BC - 07 February 2025

    Yesterday 6th February the government sent all district and county councils a letter outlining the timeframe for initial response (21.03.2025) and full proposals (28.11.2025 or 38weeks) to take forward the government’s ambitious plans to move forward its devolution plans.
    The link provided is the letter that was sent to the 5 district councils and county council for Warwickshire. I have read through the document and appendices and cannot find any reference to council housing. Given devolution will have an impact on all council tenants going through the devolution process and that the initial responses outlining each authority’s proposal needs to be with the government no later than 21st March 2025 just giving little more than 6 weeks to respond what are the ramifications for council tenants including legal requirements, as well as our rights to be consulted, what are our full rights as to date there is no a jot of information available. Can ARCH speak to the government and find out, please?

    https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-government-reorganisation-invitation-to-local-authorities-in-two-tier-areas/letter-warwickshire

  • Susan Healy , North Warwickshire BC - 16 January 2025

    Could ARCH provide a briefing paper for tenants who will be affected by borough & district councils merging to create unitary authorities and the potential options available to tenants.

    The government has been silent on what it means for tenants, what will happen in terms of council housing and ALMO’s merging, or can each HRA still operate separately in the new unitary authority landscape?

    Do tenants have any say or rights in this devolution project.

    With the government saying nothing to tenants it’s leaving a void, creating anxiety and potentially misinformation.

  • Susan Healy , North Warwickshire BC - 16 January 2025

    Could ARCH provide a briefing paper for tenants who will be affected by borough & district councils merging to create unitary authorities and the potential options available to tenants.

    The government has been silent on what it means for tenants, what will happen in terms of council housing and ALMO’s merging, or can each HRA still operate separately in the new unitary authority landscape?

    Do tenants have any say or rights in this devolution project.

    With the government saying nothing to tenants it’s leaving a void, creating anxiety and potentially misinformation.

  • Susan Healy , North Warwickshire BC - 16 January 2025

    Could ARCH provide a briefing paper for tenants who will be affected by borough & district councils merging to create unitary authorities and the potential options available to tenants.

    The government has been silent on what it means for tenants, what will happen in terms of council housing and ALMO’s merging, or can each HRA still operate separately in the new unitary authority landscape?

    Do tenants have any say or rights in this devolution project.

    With the government saying nothing to tenants it’s leaving a void, creating anxiety and potentially misinformation.

  • Susan Healy , North Warwickshire BC - 16 January 2025

    Could ARCH provide a briefing paper for tenants who will be affected by borough & district councils merging to create unitary authorities and the potential options available to tenants.

    The government has been silent on what it means for tenants, what will happen in terms of council housing and ALMO’s merging, or can each HRA still operate separately in the new unitary authority landscape?

    Do tenants have any say or rights in this devolution project.

    With the government saying nothing to tenants it’s leaving a void, creating anxiety and potentially misinformation.

  • Susan Healy , North Warwickshire BC - 16 January 2025

    Could ARCH provide a briefing paper for tenants who will be affected by borough & district councils merging to create unitary authorities and the potential options available to tenants.

    The government has been silent on what it means for tenants, what will happen in terms of council housing and ALMO’s merging, or can each HRA still operate separately in the new unitary authority landscape?

    Do tenants have any say or rights in this devolution project.

    With the government saying nothing to tenants it’s leaving a void, creating anxiety and potentially misinformation.

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