More freedom at local level

DETAILS of the latest wave of powers devolved to Greater Manchester have been welcomed by the region’s interim mayor.

New freedoms for Greater Manchester were set out in a document accompanying yesterday’s Budget statement. These will give the area the ability to create a local Land Commission to oversee all publicly-owned land and the way it is used to support Greater Manchester’s wider ambitions.

Additional powers over planning will help the elected mayor to encourage regeneration and development.

The mayor will take over the functions of the police and crime commissioner from 2017 and will oversee the work of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.

Local authorities and the Government will work together to review where children’s services — both those delivered by councils and other providers — can be better integrated and more efficient.

Previous devolution arrangements have given Greater Manchester influence over around 40 per cent of skills training in the area. The Government has now committed to exploring greater local flexibility in employment and skills programmes to reflect local needs.

The Government has announced devolved powers over Sunday trading to city mayors, allowing the elected mayor to make changes to Sunday trading regulations.

The Government is also to consider extending funding periods for health services, so bosses can make longer term and thus more efficient plans

Interim mayor Tony Lloyd said: “The role of individual local authorities in shaping their future is as strong as ever. By working together Greater Manchester is making decisions that address the region’s priorities and needs, rather than being dictated to by Whitehall and Westminster.”

Oldham Council leader Jim McMahon believes other parts of the country shouldn’t miss out on devolution: Devolution to Greater Manchester is welcome, but other parts of the country should not miss out.

For now, on devolution and rebalancing the economy, the Budget offers some limited signs of progress, but on welfare reform the Government has picked the wrong target by swinging its axe at families and the working poor.”

twitter: @AlexCareyOC