Devolution

Devolution represents a new and exciting agenda of powers and responsibilities available to combined authorities particularly on housing, employment and skills, transport, local & regional growth and planning. Since 2010, a strong precedent has been established in favour of devolution and decentralisation to the UK’s cities and regions and it is an area of policy that enjoys widespread support.

Devolution is not an end in itself but a means to achieve improved outcomes and the potential prize is well worth the effort:

• economic growth and a rebalancing of the economy:
• public service reform delivering better value
• increased public contribution and accountability for the delivery of enhanced local services

Delivering this potential requires a two-way process. Central government need to ‘let go’ and effective collaboration and working partnerships need to be established at a local level. Housing providers are crucial the success of the devolution agenda and delivering the economic growth needed in the north of England. While the sector is working to increase its investment capacity, the Northern Housing Consortium is supporting its members by:

• monitoring the policy developments,
• regularly meeting with policy makers,
• working with local combined authority & city region groups to help plans take shape