The government’s devolution revolution continues as another four areas receive more power from Westminster.

Aiming to deliver real change by boosting economic growth across England, the government’s devolution policy sees agreements signed off for regional mayors. The latest areas to sign off on these agreements are Greater Lincolnshire and Hull & East Yorkshire, while combined county authorities have been established in both Devon & Torbay and Lancashire.

These agreements in Greater Lincolnshire and Hull & East Yorkshire, mean local leaders will have the power to make decisions in areas such as transport, adult education, and housing, boosting economic growth and opportunity, which are at the heart of the government’s agenda.

Mayors will be elected in Greater Lincolnshire and Hull & East Yorkshire – the last part of Yorkshire to be covered by a devolution deal – in May 2025 and they will have control over transport, housing, skills, and investment to shape the future of their area.

For Devon & Torbay and Lancashire, combined county authorities will be established in early 2025 handing them responsibility for adult education. Government ministers are encouraging local leaders there to deepen these devolution deals and take strides towards mayoral devolution as a gold standard.

What is central to economic growth?

Though devolution is central to the government’s mission to economic growth, around half of the people in England currently benefit from these arrangements.

The Deputy Prime Minister, however, wants every area to have the opportunity to benefit from new powers, and at the heart of the government’s drive to shift powers away from Westminster is the  English Devolution Bill. This gives new powers to mayors and combined authorities in rolling out Local Growth Plans designed to maximise opportunities for growth.

Subject to parliamentary approval and local consent, devolution agreements  will mean local leaders can make decisions that are aimed at benefiting their communities while harnessing the unique opportunities of their areas.