Devolution agreed for four areas

Four devolution agreements have been signed off.

The agreements mean regional mayors in Greater Lincolnshire and in Hull & East Yorkshire, and to combined county authorities in both Devon & Torbay and Lancashire.

The agreements mean local leaders 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 in May 2025 and 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 handed the responsibility for adult education.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: “This is only the first step of our major ambition to drive forward our devolution revolution, and ensure we empower more communities and strengthen the existing powers of our brilliant mayors.”

The government is also planning to progress with the four non-mayoral ‘Level 2’ Single Local Authority devolution agreements with Cornwall Council, Buckinghamshire Council, Warwickshire County Council, and Surrey County Council, subject to further statutory tests being met.

The government has since said they are committed to delivering devolution for all corners of the country, with a commitment to deliver full devolution across the North.

The next phase of devolution deals will work to ensure the remaining areas in the region not yet benefitting from greater devolved powers are supported to deliver agreements that work for their communities.