What is devolution?

Devolution means giving more power and control to local areas – like large cities, counties, or regions – instead of having everything decided by the Government in London.

The Government wants every part of England to have a Mayoral Strategic Authority (also known as a Combined Authority). They believe this is the best way to deliver change and drive economic growth across the country.

Mayoral Strategic Authorities would be made up of several unitary councils, operating across a large area. The Government would prefer them to be led by a local mayor like in the West Midlands or Manchester.

These authorities would get extra powers and money from the Government to make bolder decisions about things like:

• Where housing is provided
• Local job creation
• Training opportunities and skills development
• Improved transport links
• Bus and train provision

Conversations are still ongoing about what devolution will look like in Worcestershire. The first step towards devolution in this area is deciding how Worcestershire’s existing councils will be reorganised.

The Government has made it clear any reorganisation of Worcestershire’s councils must help deliver or ‘unlock’ devolution.

There are several possibilities to join with councils in neighbouring counties such as Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and/or Warwickshire.

A West Mercia Strategic Authority, based on the same geographic area as West Mercia Police has also been discussed but ruled out as not viable.

Some of the northern parts of the county joining the existing West Midlands Combined Authority is also not an option.

The timetable for devolution is not yet known but the Government has stated its priority is to sort out Local Government Reorganisation first, with devolution following after that.

As the new council(s) for Worcestershire won’t be in place until 1 April 2028, any devolution will not happen until after that date.