With the Government’s English Devolution White Paper being published imminently, this paper sets out how involving people from all walks of life in decision making could unlock a more effective, fair and democratic approach to devolution in England.
There is a major democratic deficit in this country. Trust in politics is at an all-time low, many feel they have no influence over decisions, or that the government doesn’t have their interests at heart. And, turnout in elections, particularly local and regional elections, is consistently low.
Successive governments have sought to ‘complete the map’ of English devolution. The new Labour government is similarly committed to achieving this aim, and will outline its plans imminently in an English Devolution White Paper. Done well, English devolution presents an opportunity to help tackle the democratic deficit. But, this will only happen if regional politicians and officials work in partnership with local residents to make decisions about our future.
How could public participation and deliberation improve and support English devolution?
There are a number of opportunities for the public to play a greater role in English devolution, right now. And, in doing so, build a more effective, fair and democratic approach to how decisions are made in communities across England.
For English devolution to deliver what so many communities need, it must be based on the idea that people have a right to determine how they are governed. There are opportunities to do this, right now, and we have the knowledge and experience to make the most of these.
We have set out five recommendations below that could be taken on in the coming months, responding to specific opportunities, as an important first step in the right direction.
Opportunities | Recommendations | |
1 | Successive governments want to complete the map of English devolution, but poor public engagement can stop deals from happening that have public support. | Use regional citizens’ assemblies / panels supported by hyper-local community conversations where deals are most controversial to agree geographical boundaries for devolution and new powers as part of devolution deals. |
2 | Devolution deals include an agreed approach to effective governance and accountability, but often don’t define a role for the public. | Each devolution deal should include a requirement for a Public Participation and Accountability Strategy to be developed as part of its governance and accountability arrangements. |
3 | Combined authorities will be required to develop Local Growth Plans. These will only work if they build on local knowledge and assets. | Combined authorities to ensure each Local Growth Plan includes a clear approach to building on local knowledge and assets, with local residents and institutions. |
4 | There will be major, flagship decisions made by combined authorities. These can be moments to demonstrate a different approach to politics. | Combined authorities to demonstrate political leadership, by choosing to include the public in making at least one flagship decision or plan. |
5 | Combined authorities may want to work with the public, but are concerned they don’t have time or that they will struggle to reach the right people. | Combined authorities to set up regional citizens’ pools, to reduce the barriers to including the public in decision making. |
If you'd like to know more, click here to download our paper, or read below.