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.
English Devolution White Paper Explainer
Learn more about the English Devolution White Paper with our explainer.
English Devolution White Paper: governance and scrutiny are vital
This blog explores the key announcements from the English Devolution White Paper, examining what the proposed local government mergers mean for governance, scrutiny, and the future of strategic authorities across England.
Governance: evolution and experimentation
This blog explores the potential shift in governance and decision-making for councils and combined authorities in the context of new government missions, emphasising the need for a more collaborative, experimental approach to public service delivery and the significant governance changes required to make it successful.
Labour’s Devolutionary Road
Jonathan Werran, chief executive at Localis, shares thoughts on how the Labour government’s devolution plans will unfold and impact local governance.
Regional Public Accounts Committees
This is the fourth edition of a technical paper first published in 2013.
Governance and Devolution: Challenges for a new Government
CfGS launches a new thought piece which outlines a system approach to governance and how to do it.
New version of scrutiny guidance
Ed Hammond’s commentary on the Government’s new version of the statutory guidance on overview and scrutiny.
The “Scrutiny Protocol” – new arrangements for scrutiny in combined authorities
Government guidance for combined authorities on overview and scrutiny arrangements, alongside a CfGS perspective and guide.
Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority
Governance change example, using a bespoke approach to scrutiny at combined authority level.
Devolution and Good Mayoral Governance White Paper
A paper on the subject of directly elected Mayors in English (DEMs) local government, and as a feature of English combined authorities.