What should we expect when the new government publishes its proposals to further extend powers to elected executive mayors, a process that was commenced by the previous government?
We already have elected executive mayors and combined local authorities for North, West and South Yorkshire – to be joined next year by Hull and East Riding so we are well placed. But what are we looking for and should we see it as a step on the way to something more transformational?
What is devolution?
Devolution in its purest form is genuinely independent local decision-making on critical issues, underpinned by local revenue raising powers. This is, not at all the same as powers that are just delegated but still centrally funded.
What is happening now are welcome steps in the direction of local decision-making, building on perceived success. In Yorkshire the positive impact of Tracy Brabin in West Yorkshire and Oliver Coppard in South Yorkshire is clear and the newly elected David Skaith in North Yorkshire and York will be keen to emulate that impact (with East Yorkshire and Hull to follow). They demonstrate this works.
However, executive mayoral delegation is not the same as full regional devolution. Remember – Yorkshire’s population matches that of Scotland and is substantially larger than Wales and Northern Ireland. Why can’t we have similar powers and autonomy (while noting that even what they have is not true devolution)?
Yorkshire’s future
We have recently celebrated Yorkshire Day (1 August), recognising Yorkshire’s heritage and identity, its current strength and potential. Critically also taking a tantalising glimpse of what Yorkshire’s future could be if its potential was unlocked through unified regional governance and enterprise.
The charge that an unwelcome new level of expanded bureaucracy is being created can be challenged for two reasons. The executive mayors and combined authorities already exist so the structure is there. The call is for the central government bureaucracy of Whitehall and Westminster to be transferred to our region. The prize is local accountability and transparency, based on local knowledge of need and potential in a country which is woefully overcentralised.
Four mayors, One Yorkshire
Those who wish for devolution for Yorkshire can welcome the current developments albeit as delegation – extended mayoral delegated powers with a government willing to actively liaise and engage with the elected mayors is tangible progress. Four elected mayors acting together could be a powerful force demonstrating what the future of a One Yorkshire could be. It is sad though, to cry deja vu – 50 years ago there were four county councils (North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire and Humberside) which came together in a loose grouping; The Yorkshire County Councils Association.
When I was chief executive of South Yorkshire County Council I was the coordinator of the Association and, despite differing political controls, we combined strongly and successfully to pressurise the UK government and a responsive European Union for investment in infrastructure, transport, employment creation, training and skills. Sound familiar? However, our concerted effort could not survive three of the four county councils being abolished.
Now, we will have four elected mayors and combined authorities; great in their own right and with the potential to be unstoppable, working together for Yorkshire as a whole, and most importantly in claiming decision-making back from the central government.
What we must be aware of and push for now is a transfer of leadership and funding from central government to powerful influential elected executive mayors, who can focus on Yorkshire’s need for investment to facilitate growth and prosperity. The powers are needed to allow radical action by the executive mayors to deal with poverty, inequality, and underachievement.
Success from our executive mayors will pave the way for genuine devolution. It is still only delegation now but further progress can lead to greater autonomy in decision-making and genuine devolution for Yorkshire in the future.
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