Devolution and Local Gov | Davitt Jones Bould

Devolution white paper: the biggest shake up of local government in over 50 years

Just before Christmas 2024, the Government published its Devolution White Paper – Power and Partnership: Foundations for Growth. The principles set out over 118 pages of detail, have occupied local government leadership teams ever since, and with tight timescales for implementation, they will continue to do so for the weeks and months ahead.

That is because the scale of change is arguably the most significant since 1972, with the Government seeking to undertake a joint programme of devolution and local government reorganisation.

In terms of devolution, the plan is clear: The Government wants every area of England to be covered by the devolution of powers from Westminster to local government, ideally by the end of this Parliament. That is ambitious, with just 61% of England currently covered by a devolution deal (90% of the North of England but only 46% of the South of England). Six priority areas have already been identified for fast-tracked devolution. Devolved authorities will be led by an elected Mayor (with limited exceptions).

The Government White Paper has also proposed significant local government re-organisation in England, re-organising two-tier authorities into larger unitary authorities with a population of 500,000 or more (with some exceptions). Some existing unitary authorities may also be re-organised, “where there is evidence of failure or where their size or boundaries may be hindering their ability to deliver”. On 6 February 2025, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) issued a statutory invitation under Part 1 of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (LGPIHA 2007) to all two-tier local authorities and small neighbouring unitary authorities, to develop proposals for local government re-organisation.

The challenges for local government leaders are substantial, not least because they have to make existential decisions at a rapid rate. Our aim in this Hub is to help connect leaders with strategic guidance and insights on important topics relating to devolution and local government re-organisation. If you have any questions or topics that you would like covered, do not hesitate to contact one of our local government specialists.