• Swindon & Wiltshire Experts
• Thursday June 13 2024
• Author Name: Phil Smith

What is English devolution and why should it matter to West businesses? – Business West

What would English devolution mean for businesses in the West? Phil Smith, managing director of Business West, puts the case for greater powers for the region.

Business West recently polled 261 businesses across the South West about their views on the devolution of powers from central to regional government.

Our survey results reveal a nearly even split in the business community’s opinion on the impact of devolution in England, with a slim majority of 51.3 per cent believing that transfer of powers from central to regional governments would be beneficial.

Conversely, 48.7 per cent do not see devolution as beneficial.

Why are the results so close – and rather reminiscent of Brexit? We are not certain. However, we think there is an information gap; a lack of clarity on what English devolution is and what it means for business and our region.

We believe that greater devolution is a way to drive social mobility and improve regional productivity and prosperity, which in turn boosts the UK economy.

The next government, whatever form it takes, will face challenges in delivering the economic growth needed to tackle the challenges we face. Greater devolution can provide a pathway for delivering that economic growth.

The South West is overlooked when it comes to ‘levelling up’, yet it is fundamental to the UK’s prosperity.

Greater devolution in areas such as housing, jobs and infrastructure, alongside appropriate resourcing, and a collaborative and constructive devolved culture, will help make our region a better place to live, learn and work.

So, what exactly is English Devolution?

While most of us are no doubt familiar with Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish devolution, the concept of English devolution is perhaps less well known.

English devolution represents a shift in governance, bridging the gap between national government and local councils, rooted in the belief that local decision-making can significantly impact economic and social outcomes.

In short; those that live and work in a region know the challenges and opportunities best.

It’s about putting more power in local decision makers’ hands. This process enables a more localised approach to governance, providing regions with greater control over issues such as transportation, housing, and skills training, which are critical to local economic development and a healthy business environment.

What do businesses need to know about devolution?

Local authorities have very little money to invest in the infrastructure and services that we need to drive regional productivity. We therefore urgently need greater private sector investment.

Clear regional leadership gives private sector confidence in partnerships that can help achieve shared objectives.

In order for us to really make the most of devolution, we need greater unity across local authorities and a regional strategic plan.

Our region is geographically, demographically, and politically diverse, and this has resulted in a lack of a cohesive vision, ambition and leadership on the direction of transformation and change.

We need a strategic plan that includes the ambitious, and joined-up, delivery of new homes, jobs and infrastructure across local authority boundaries.

We hope a new government brings a greater commitment to English devolution.

Business West, in partnership with the University of Bristol, the University of Bath, and the University of the West of England, have founded the Futures West Foundation for sustainable and inclusive economic growth, with the aim of promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth to help the region flourish.