Secretary of State gives evidence on devolution
30 November 2015
The Communities and Local Government Committee takes evidence on the Government's Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill from the Secretary of State and other witnesses.
- Watch Parliament TV: Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill
- Inquiry: Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill
- Communities and Local Government Committee
Witnesses
Monday 30 November 2015, Thatcher Room, Portcullis House
At 4.00pm
- Rt Hon Alastair Burt MP, Minister of State for Community and Social Care, Department of Health
- Rt Hon Priti Patel MP, Minister of State for Employment, Department for Work and Pensions
At 4.45pm
- Rt Hon Greg Clark MP, Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government
- James Wharton MP, Minister for Local Growth and the Northern Powerhouse, Department for Communities and Local Government
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
Image: iStockphoto