More devolution deals promised as key legislation receives Royal Assent

The Cities and Local Government Devolution Act has gained Royal Assent this week, with the Government promising further devolution deals in addition to the seven already agreed across the country.

The legislation, which can be viewed here, will:

• allow elected mayors to cover and chair a combined authority area;
• allow the devolution of functions, including transport, health, skills, planning and job support; and
• enable the creation of sub-national transport bodies which will advise the Government on strategic schemes and investment priorities in their own area.

The Government has also this week announced a separate Aberdeen city region deal.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, said: “Our devolution revolution is the most fundamental shake up of the way the country is governed in a generation, and these new laws are a clear signal of our commitment to end the old model of running everything out of London.

“Fixing the current broken system of financing local government will be a huge boost to local growth, help attract business and create jobs. It’s the most concerted effort to change the geographical imbalance that has bedevilled the British economy for half a century.”

Local Government Secretary Greg Clark said: “[These] new laws pave the way to devolve powers from the heart of Westminster to local areas and local people across the country.

“It underpins radical devolution deals already in place, but also opens the door for others to follow the example and come forward with their own proposals for having a far greater say over how their area develops over the coming years.”

See also: Powering ahead? Devolution revolution or a poisoned chalice with catchy names? Simon Goacher analyses the Government's reform of local government.