Topic: Devolution
This section contains material about the process of devolution in England. It contains material from pre-2024 discussing the previous Government’s approach to the establishment and operation of combined authorities, and post-2024 material which sets out the new Government’s shifting approach, including their ambition to use devolution as an enabler for wider public service reform.
This section sets out our thoughts on Mayoral and combined authority accountability as well as our commentary on the establishment and operation of local Public Accounts Committees.
It connects closely to material that we have published that relates to local government reorganisation, a process being taken forward in parallel to Government’s wider devolution agenda.
Written evidence: English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill
CfGS submitted evidence on the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill
Holding mayors to account: The future of scrutiny in devolved government
Join the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny (CfGS) and the London Assembly on 27 November 2025 at City Hall, London for a one-day conference on the future of mayoral scrutiny. Explore reforms, impact and innovation in devolved government. Free to attend – places limited
Centre for Governance and Scrutiny calls for stronger accountability measures in English Devolution Bill
The Centre for Governance and Scrutiny (CfGS) today publishing responds 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
Our first thoughts on the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill
Some first thoughts on the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill
There are different ways to do mayoral scrutiny – why our thinking on LPACs is changing
Since 2014 we have been developing and refining the idea of “local Public Accounts Committees” (LPACs) – new bodies, well-placed to review and oversee the value for money of public services across a “place”, following the public pound rather than being focused on the accountability arrangements of individual institutions. Since then, the idea has been […]
Embedding Effective Scrutiny in Combined Authorities
Explore how combined authorities can build strong, impactful scrutiny arrangements that reflect the Government’s Scrutiny Protocol. Join fellow practitioners to hear about strategies for making scrutiny work in a complex governance landscape.
Joined up Scrutiny for Economic Development
As English devolution accelerates, so does the need for effective, joined-up scrutiny of long-term priorities like economic growth and regeneration. Share experiences, hear from peers, and help shape a more connected approach to scrutiny in devolved governance.
Why we should be talking about democracy
Catherine Howe, CfGS chair and the Chief Executive of Adur and Worthing Councils, says that creating a new form of regional government requires a similar focus on how our local democracy works
Fireside Chat: English Devolution White Paper
Watch our fireside chat explaining more about the English Devolution White Paper, what it includes, and how the changes it proposes will affect local government and delivering scrutiny and governance.
English Devolution White Paper Explainer
Learn more about the English Devolution White Paper with our explainer.