Queen's Speech: Cities And Local Government Devolution Bill

The Government’s intention to give large UK cities the ability to be in charge of decisions concerning housing, planning and transport have been set out today in the Queen’s Speech.

Announced at today’s state opening of Parliament, the Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill is designed to support the Chancellor’s vision of a ‘Northern Powerhouse’ and will provide a legislative framework to deliver the devolution deal that has already been agreed in Manchester. It will also enable other large cities to do the same.

Roy Beckett, Partner and Head of Business Legal Services at Irwin Mitchell in Manchester, said:

Expert Opinion

“This Bill is the latest step towards the Northern Powerhouse becoming a reality and it is a clear sign that the new Government is taking the initiative seriously.

“I firmly believe that the Northern Powerhouse has the potential to allow the region to work closely together, attract skills and investment and essentially use its expertise and strengths in a more effective way which can generate wealth for the UK as a whole.

“Allowing large northern cities to be more in control of their own destinies is vital and it will be interesting to see if others now follow Manchester’s lead.

“Devolution isn’t the only answer however and it must be recognised that there are a number of other factors that are required to ensure that large cities and regions outside of the South East are able to realise their potential. In the case of the Northern Powerhouse, there needs to be a way of uniting the region to work together. Devolving powers to cities is one thing, but making sure that leaders across the region work together is another.”
Roy Beckett - Partner