Devolution to England
We evaluate devolution to England’s cities and regions, and make the case for a more coherent approach to English subnational government.
Key explainers

Trailblazer devolution deals
What are trailblazer devolution deals and what powers will they devolve to combined authorities?

Local government
The local government system varies in many ways between the four nations of the UK. We explain the structure and political balance in each nation.

English devolution
What is the history of English devolution? How much of England has devolution? Which powers are devolved?

Police and crime commissioners
Every police force area in England and Wales is represented by a police and crime commissioner.
The art of the devolution deal
Too little attention has been paid to how devolution deals are negotiated and implemented and how Whitehall should support them.
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Devolution to city regions

Mayor of London and London Assembly
The Greater London Authority Act 1999 established the GLA, which encompasses the mayor of London and the London Assembly.

Devolution to Greater Manchester
In November 2014, a ‘devolution deal’ was agreed between the UK government and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).

Devolution to the Liverpool City Region
In November 2015, a ‘devolution deal’ was reached between the UK government and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA).

Devolution to the West Midlands
In November 2015, a ‘devolution deal’ was reached between the UK government and seven local council leaders in the West Midlands metropolitan area.

Devolution to South Yorkshire
The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority has four constituent councils: Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotheram and Sheffield.

Devolution to the North of Tyne
In November 2018, a ‘devolution deal’ was reached between the UK government and the leaders of Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland councils.

Devolution to York and North Yorkshire
How will the devolution deal for York and North Yorkshire work?
Net zero and devolution: The role of England’s mayors in the climate transition
The UK government’s current top-down approach to net zero has hamstrung locally elected mayors’ efforts to deliver net zero.
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