Expert insight, analysis and comment on key public policy issues
Leeds was once lauded as an innovator in respect of city-regional governance. But, argues Iain Deas, while recent accounts have emphasised local disagreement about the geography of devolution deals, it is possible to interpret Yorkshire’s experience in a more positive light. Recent media coverage of devolution deals in Yorkshire has highlighted conflict around rival proposals […]
By Francesca Gains Filed Under: All posts, Devo Posted:
There are democratic gains to be made from the election of a Greater Manchester mayor, argues Francesca Gains – but only if the right checks and balances are built in. On 5 May vast swathes of the country will go to the polls. Voters will elect a new mayor and assembly members in Greater London, […]
By Luke Raikes Filed Under: All posts, Devo, Urban Posted:
When the victorious Greater Manchester Mayor emerges next May, they will find themselves with significant transport powers – but strong leadership and beefed-up accountability will be needed to realise the full benefits, argues Luke Raikes. This time next year, Greater Manchester will be experiencing its first ever mayoral election campaign. This will be a significant […]
By Helen McKenna Filed Under: Devo, Featured Posted:
Today, Greater Manchester becomes the first region in England to be given new powers in the devolution of health and social care services from national government to regional decision-makers. But what makes this region’s devolution project so exciting is that its ambitions go way beyond the integration of health and social care, says Helen McKenna. […]
By Su Maddock Filed Under: Devo, Featured Posted:
If the ‘Devo Manc’ experiment is to work, local leaders and the staff who deliver services must be given the power and flexibility to innovate, says Su Maddock. Many are sceptical about devolution, yet city leaders are confident that with greater control and freedoms they can improve their cities and local economies. The Core Cities […]
By David Walker Filed Under: All posts, Devo Posted:
DevoManc’s control of health is at the centre of the government’s localism policy – but the policy is a sham, argues David Walker. Lack of attention Since the ‘historic day’ a year ago when the health secretary stood alongside the chancellor in signing the Greater Manchester health devolution deal, Jeremy Hunt has not – it’s fair to […]
By Diane Coyle Filed Under: All posts, Devo Posted:
The handing over of the health budget to Greater Manchester authorities carries both risk and opportunity says Diane Coyle, who argues that delivering on data and analysis will be key for policymakers. The risk is obvious: as with the entire Devo Manc process, those concerned have to make it work. They have to spend […]
By Frances O'Grady Filed Under: All posts, Devo Posted:
Manchester will have its work cut out plugging the funding gap in the current economic climate and greater integration of health and social care, while essential, may not deliver savings or reduced hospital admissions, argues Frances O’Grady. A new architecture With the Cities and Local Government Devolution Act receiving royal assent at the beginning of […]
By Ruth Boaden Filed Under: All posts, Devo Posted:
The Devolution of health and social care to Greater Manchester this Friday (1 April) is being heralded as the dawn of a new era – one that can deliver the fastest and greatest improvement to the health and wellbeing of 2.8 million people. But, asks Ruth Boaden, will any real change be seen? This time […]
By Stephen Hincks, Iain Deas, Kevin Ward and Graham Haughton Filed Under: All posts, Devo, Urban Posted:
The emergence of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to deliver ‘Devo Manc’ builds on a long history of effective cooperation between ten local authorities. Not all English cities and regions share such a history. Has Manchester become the template for English sub-national governance, and if so, should we be worried, ask Kevin Ward and […]