In a bid to extend the benefits of devolution to underserved regions, Britain’s manufacturers are urging the incoming government to prioritize the rollout of Devolution Deals across all of England. This appeal, highlighted by Make UK in their latest report titled “For or Against? The Case for Further Devolution,” underscores the transformative impact of devolution on local economies and businesses, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to local growth strategies.
The report advocates for a more cohesive framework that consolidates existing local authority and devolution legislation into a robust Devolution Act. Central to this proposal is the adoption of US-style ‘bond referendums’ to mobilize funds for regional infrastructure projects that struggle to secure national funding support.
Manufacturers surveyed in the report expressed strong support for deeper and more sustained devolution plans, believing that localized decision-making would better prioritize skills training and infrastructure development crucial for business performance and growth. Specifically, nearly 30% of respondents emphasized the importance of devolving skills development to enable more tailored and effective training initiatives.
While fiscal devolution remains a secondary concern for manufacturers, there is growing interest in empowering local areas to fund key projects independently of central government allocations. The concept of ‘Bond Referendums,’ modeled after successful practices in the US, is seen as a viable means to mobilize community resources for targeted investments in critical areas like education and transportation infrastructure.
Faye Skelton, head of policy at Make UK, emphasized the need to build on the success of existing devolution models, calling for a streamlined legislative process that consolidates local powers under a unified Devolution Act. Skelton also advocated for empowering Mayoral Regions with the authority to raise funds locally, enabling faster and more agile responses to regional development needs.
Despite the positive impact of devolution, the report underscores the need for greater awareness and clarity surrounding devolution deals. A significant percentage of manufacturers (46%) remain uncertain about the devolution status of their areas, highlighting the importance of communication and education to maximize the benefits of devolution across the board.
The manufacturing sector’s push for expanded devolution reflects a broader call for targeted, locally driven solutions to economic challenges, emphasizing the role of decentralized decision-making in fostering sustainable growth and prosperity across England’s diverse regions.