Friday Politics: West Norfolk councillor Francis Bone welcomes devolution but is keen to hear more details
In our latest Friday Politics column, Cllr Francis Bone discusses devolution and the Labour government...
Devolution and local government reorganisation have been the hottest topics at the council recently. Since I wrote my last column, we have had more detail. I and the Labour group very much welcome the proposals for change and think it will greatly benefit our area.
Devolution is about giving power back to communities – shifting power away from Westminster to the local leaders who know their areas best and giving them the tools to make a difference to people’s lives. The number one priority for the Labour government is to unlock growth and put money into people’s pockets.
Norfolk has an important role to play in unlocking this growth. Past talk of ‘levelling up’ has led to very little progress, with central government hoarding power and holding our economy back.
Devolution must be built upon strong foundations. That is why the Labour government is delivering on its manifesto pledge to fix the foundations of local government. Labour’s long-term vision is for residents to access good public services without the eye-watering price tag.
That means creating simpler structures to unlock crucial efficiency savings as well as making it much clearer for residents who they should look to on local issues, with fewer but more empowered politicians, and more resources directed to the frontline.
The current set-up, with the county council in charge of some areas and the borough council in charge of others, leaves residents confused as to who they should contact.
Speaking to residents on the doorstep, people are happy with the renationalisation of transport, and happy for the nation to get building.
Crucially, devolution will start to tackle some struggling services: this model is an opportunity to improve adult social care and children’s services.
It is a chance to help SEND pupils. A chance to have better roads and be more responsive to residents’ concerns. Not only better funded but better organised and supported services working for our residents and crucially for our biggest economic centre, Lynn, a chance to have a town council.
It won’t all be smooth sailing – I for one would like to see details of how planning will be affected and of how to minimise other disruptions of services, which the borough council should be concentrating on right now.
We should all be working together to ensure we get the best possible deal for our area and the least disruptive transition of services for our residents.
Devolution will be a new way of governing, rooted in the principle that people who have a stake in a place should be the ones shaping it. It will be crucial to delivering the government’s commitment to bring growth and opportunity to communities nationwide.
This is the first step in delivering the promise to move power out of Westminster and put it where it belongs – in the hands of local people.
Every place can benefit from devolution, whether it is through more regular bus services, more affordable housing, or the simple fact that local people will have a local champion with regional influence.
Mayors, regardless of political stripe, have a proven track record of delivering growth.
Areas that have undergone devolution have received more funding from the government and have gained greater control over areas such as planning and transport, bringing policies designed for the needs of local people. It will put local politics in the service of local people.
So what happens now? The government has invited all two-tier areas to develop proposals for reorganisation and launch public consultations.
We very much look forward to being part of the devolution revolution.
