Big moment in the Commons this week as we entered the final stages of the English Devolution & Community Empowerment Bill’s passage through Parliament before it receives Royal Assent. A landmark shift in where power sits in this country, delivering devolution by default, and I’m proud to have initiated the Bill during my time as a minister:
Devolution of power, resources and new freedoms so decisions made are closer to home, and those making the decisions are accountable to local people.
New powers over things that matter like transport, housing and planning, economic development, and skills.
New neighbourhood level decision making so that everyone, everywhere can get local change in their community.
Levelling the playing field so communities have more power to protect, and if needed to take over, local assets which are important to them, with automatic protection for sporting grounds and facilities.
For too long, decisions have been hoarded in Whitehall. This Bill flips that. It puts power where it belongs: in our towns, our cities, and our communities.
It builds on what we know works. We’ve seen it with places like Greater Manchester and other mayoral areas. Better transport, better jobs & real change all because decisions are made closer to the people they affect.
Now we take that further with a clear, consistent system of devolution; more powers for local leaders and real tools for communities, including a stronger right to shape and own what matters locally.
Jim McMahon OBE MP 