Centre for Governance and Scrutiny calls for stronger accountability measures in English Devolution Bill

The Centre for Governance and Scrutiny (CfGS) is today publishing its response to the Government’s English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, calling for more robust scrutiny and accountability measures to accompany the Bill’s transfer of powers to local and regional government.

In a letter to Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, CfGS Chief Executive Mel Stevens welcomes the Bill’s ambition to give citizens more control over their futures. But she urges the Government to make sure accountability measures are equal to the Bill’s devolution of power.

“We see this Bill as a vital opportunity to rethink the accountability system to meet your ambition for devolution and community empowerment, ensuring that the strength of scrutiny and accountability are equal to the powers the Bill devolves,” writes Mel Stevens, CfGS Chief Executive.

CfGS calls for several key improvements to the legislation:

• Mayoral powers: While the Bill sets out processes for expanding mayoral responsibilities, CfGS believes these powers must come with clearer expectations for transparency and stronger oversight.
• Local audit: CfGS welcomes the creation of the Local Audit Office (LAO), but urges Government to go further in defining its powers and role.
• Neighbourhood governance: CfGS welcomes the Bill’s emphasis on local engagement but warns against adopting overly prescriptive models that could hinder local innovation.
• Governance models: CfGS expresses disappointment at the proposed abolition of the committee system without local discretion, particularly where recent referendums or political mandates supported its retention.

In addition, CfGS says several issues warrant further legislative clarity or action, including:

• Strengthening systems of scrutiny and accountability for mayors and strategic authorities
• A strengthened role for local authority scrutiny
• Standards and protections for councillors
• Meaningful community involvement

Mel Stevens offers CfGS’s support in shaping future legislation and ensuring its successful implementation.

“Along with colleagues working in local government and other sector partners, we stand ready to work with you. By delivering the right scrutiny and governance, your plan to give more power to people will be realised.”

Read the full letter

Notes to editors

Founded in 2003 to help councils implement transformative governance following the Local Government Act 2000, the Centre for Governance is a national charity committed to improving governance across all levels of government in England, Wales, and beyond.

Media inquiries

Please email us to arrange to speak to our Director of Communications, Andrew Brightwell at info@cfgs.org.uk