Devolution plans for London scrutinised
23 November 2015
The Communities and Local Government Committee explores governance and scrutiny in the first part of this evidence session before looking at the current devolution plans for London and how these relate to the legislation.
- Watch Parliament TV: Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill
- Inquiry: Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill
- Communities and Local Government Committee
Witnesses
Monday 23 November, Thatcher Room, Portcullis House
At 4.00pm
- Lord Kerslake, Chair, Centre for Public Scrutiny
- Ed Cox, Director, Institute for Public Policy Research (North)
- Councillor Sue Jeffrey, Chair, Shadow Tees Valley Combined Authority
At 4.45pm
- Sir Edward Lister, Deputy Mayor of London, Policy and Planning
- Darren Johnson, Chair, Devolution Working Group, London Assembly
- John O'Brien, Chief Executive, London Councils
Background
During the last Parliament the Coalition Government took a number of steps to devolve powers to local authorities, or groups of authorities, in England, for example, through city deals, whereby responsibility for different funding streams is devolved to local areas in exchange for greater responsibility for stimulating economic growth.
In addition the Government agreed bespoke "devolution deals", involving the transfer of further powers, with Greater Manchester, the Sheffield City Region and West Yorkshire. The Greater Manchester devolution deal also provided for the creation of an elected mayor.
In February 2015, a Memorandum of Understanding was published under which health and social care responsibilities would be devolved to "accountable statutory organisations in Greater Manchester".
Further information
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