Devolution – Empowering people and places
Alison McGovern, MP, Minister of State for Local Government and Homelessness spoke at a meeting hosted by the Local Government Association to talk about devolution. Her points were:
- Devolution is part of the conference theme of Renewing Britain
- People feel disempowered and disengaged. The concentration of power and money in Westminster is part of this problem. Devolving power from Westminster to mayoral authorities and unitary councils is intended to address this problem.
- It is recognised that council leaders are in the best position to know how to fix local problems but, under the Tories, raising local issues with Westminster was impossible.
- Devolution will reset the entire relationship between Government and regions.
- You can call it “the Burnham effect”. You can call it “pride in place” Either way it will be an improvement.
Pride in Place: The government has announced up to £5bn of investment for 339 “overlooked” communities across the UK to spend on boosting high streets, parks and public spaces.
Alan Conochie – October 2025