Public backs devolution but only with effective local governance and accountability, research says
Public support for devolution is contingent on effective local governance and reassurances that a newly elected Mayor would focus on local needs rather than ideological agendas, new research on the Government's devolution plans has found.
Any new devolved authority must also be more closely accountable to the public, either via consultations or deliberative engagement, according to the research conducted by the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen).
The research was based on a workshop with residents of Sussex to discuss the English Devolution White Paper, which set out plans to replace two-tier areas with unitary councils representing around 500,000 people each.
The white paper also laid out proposals for new 'Strategic Authorities' and greater powers for mayoral combined authorities, among other reforms.
NatCen said it chose Sussex as a case study because it is part of the Government's priority devolution programme, and "its devolutionary settlement is due to be delivered with limited input from, or understanding of, the views and preferences of local people".
According to the research report, Sussex residents supported devolution but were concerned a future Mayor would put personal and political ambitions ahead of local needs.
Residents also wanted the public to play a role in holding the combined authority to account, it said.
The report noted: "They said this could be achieved through mechanisms such as citizen engagement workshops or regular public surveys.
"Public engagement should be fostered by the availability of accessible information explaining the combined authority's decision making."
Elsewhere, the report said that residents felt that a combined authority's ability to plan and coordinate local services was its most consequential power, offering a route to better service delivery.
Participants meanwhile wanted the prospective authority to focus its powers on: addressing water pollution (essential to public health and tourism); ensuring housing investment is accompanied by improved public transport links (also important on environmental grounds); and ensuring health and care services are better integrated across the county.
Sarah Cheesbrough, Director of Policy Research at the National Centre for Social Research, said: "This research into attitudes towards devolution has provided several valuable insights for the UK Government to consider in rebuilding and reforming local government."
She added: "While some of the feedback is specific to Sussex, there are points relevant to other areas of the country.
"For instance, public accountability over new Mayors and local governance must be a priority and should be established in advance of the Mayoral Elections in the six new devolved areas next year."
Adam Carey
