Localism has to mean allowing communities to decide their own structures.
Localism has to mean allowing communities to decide their own structures
To the extent that opinion polls tell us anything, the latest IPSOS/MORI poll in Scotland tells us that our narrative around devolution needs to be credible. Conducted in the aftermath of Johann Lamont’s resignation, the poll suggests that Labour would chalk up a mere four Westminster MPs, to the SNPs fifty four.
It was against this backdrop that local and regional leaders in the rest of the United Kingdom received news of Ed Miliband’s commitment to reverse decades of centralisation, devolving powers to City and County regions, alongside a pledge that an incoming Labour government would establish an English Regional Cabinet Committee.
There was much to welcome in the speech – the ability to exercise more influence over public transport networks is long overdue, but will be of great value to local communities – Labour’s plan would allow combined authorities to apply a simple and swift procedure for getting greater control over local bus services – setting routes and fares, introducing smarter ticketing, and integrating those services with wider public transport and growth plans.
Even in forward-thinking authorities such as Blackpool, which retained a 100 per cent stake in Blackpool Transport Limited, this will short-circuit the current system of protracted negotiations between operators, which often achieves limited results.
Increased devolution of funding and powers in terms of skills, transport, housing and business support represents a practical adoption of many of the recommendations of the Adonis report, and demonstrates that the voices of key Leaders in Labour Local government have been heeded.
It seems churlish to point out that £30 billion represents only a fraction of those resources that could and should be delegated to communities – nonetheless, all eyes will be on other Shadow Cabinet members, in search of further announcements which buttress this commitment to real-life localism.
I don’t think anyone realistically expected an incoming Labour administration to radically alter the LEP structures, which work less well in some areas than others – there is general contentment that we appear to be placed much more firmly in charge of our own destiny – no compunction to accept elected mayors under Hilary Benn, by the sounds of things.
Localism has to mean allowing communities to decide their own structures. A change of emphasis and language from City regions to County regions is demonstrated – and again, I welcome this, but will continue to wave the wind and rain ravaged flag of the seaside (and other) unitary councils, which often get lost in the competition for parental attention between City Regions and County Councils.
Control of 100 per cent of business rate receipts is localism distilled. Socialism distilled will be coming up with a redistributive mechanism to ensure that small, poor authorities don’t lose out (Blackpool generates around £45 million a year in NNDR, but receives a redistributed sum of £66 million).
I look forward to the first meeting of the English Regional Cabinet Committee – which I am confident will have to be held in the Blackpool Tower ballroom, given the length of the list of invitees.
In summary, and in seriousness – a great start, which is welcomed by local government, and in time will be appreciated by local communities; but we need to keep that narrative fresh, ambitious and relevant – to make sure that on May 8 these are our decisions to take.
Simon Blackburn is leader of Blackpool Council
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25 Responses to “There was much to welcome in Miliband’s devolution announcement”
Gary Scott
This is purely a reaction to polling. This is the problem. Labour has gone for too long chasing votes by changing policies rather than campaigning to bring public opinion on board. This has led to the complaint that no-one knows what Labour stands for anymore. Policies aside, what DOES Labour stand for?
The_Average_Joe_UK
The perpetuation of the club, the election of red princes. Growing the state, growing the Labour vote & shiny baubels for the ‘plebs’ that elects them.
Labour can’t come at things from what really is important perspective, much of that rails against the ideolgy that is more important. What do you mean we need rampant capitalism in the north to provide REAL long term jobs. oooh we hate capitalists.
AlanGiles
I find it hard to imagine that Miliband – still less the Progress shower who are likely to topple him – would be willing to cede control from the centre. At the moment Labour have the luxury of being able to hint, or even , promise all sorts of things which will be quietly forgotten if they win – just like the New Labour pledge to renationalise British Rail from 1995 until the day after the 1997 election.
CGR
If there is to be devolution then it must be fair and equal devolution. If devolution to Wales and Scotland is based on their nationhood, then we need devolution to England on the same basis.
The_Average_Joe_UK
Still talking in factions? progress this and centre that? The electorate have left that BS behind and rightly so.