Cumbria, Cheshire and Warrington, Norfolk and Suffolk, Greater Essex, Sussex and Brighton, and Hampshire and the Solent joined the DPP in February…reports Asian Lite News
The government has taken a major step in its devolution revolution, confirming that all areas on the Devolution Priority Programme (DPP) will now have their own mayors with extensive powers over housing, transport, and other critical areas. This move is part of the government’s broader Plan for Change, aimed at empowering local communities and driving regional growth.
Cumbria, Cheshire and Warrington, Norfolk and Suffolk, Greater Essex, Sussex and Brighton, and Hampshire and the Solent joined the DPP in February. These regions are now set to proceed with the creation of Mayoral Strategic Authorities, subject to local councils’ agreement. These authorities have been proven to be an effective model for driving regional development, putting more money into working people’s pockets, and empowering communities to direct change locally.
Minister for Local Government and English Devolution Jim McMahon said, “We are taking the next step in our devolution revolution, shifting power out of Whitehall and into our communities as part of our Plan for Change. These sweeping new powers for communities will put them on the fast track to deliver growth, opportunities, transport, and housing.”
Inaugural mayoral elections are scheduled for May 2026 in Norfolk and Suffolk, Greater Essex, Sussex and Brighton, and Hampshire and the Solent. Following a request from local authority leaders in Cumbria and Cheshire and Warrington, the government has agreed to align the inaugural mayoral elections in these areas with the majority of local elections in May 2027.
The government will continue to collaborate with the affected councils over the summer, including confirming funding for the new authorities. Thirty-year investment funds will remain a core part of the offer, with funding standardised to increase transparency and fairness.
This announcement follows the introduction of the new English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill in Parliament last week. The Bill aims to decentralise power and ignite regional growth, helping local people take back control of their regions.
The establishment of Mayoral Strategic Authorities is expected to bring significant benefits to these regions. By giving local leaders more control over key areas such as housing and transport, the authorities will be better equipped to address local challenges and seize opportunities for growth. This move is also expected to enhance accountability and responsiveness in local governance, ensuring that decisions are made closer to the people they affect.
The government’s commitment to devolution is evident in its ongoing efforts to work with local councils and communities. The introduction of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill and the establishment of Mayoral Strategic Authorities are just the latest steps in a broader plan to empower local communities and drive regional development.
As the UK continues to navigate the challenges of post-Brexit economic recovery and regional development, the government’s devolution strategy offers a promising path forward. By empowering local leaders and communities, the government aims to create a more balanced and prosperous economy, where all regions have the opportunity to thrive.
