The second part of the Government’s planned changes to local government is devolution.
We aren’t consulting on this part of the changes, but we have provided this information to help you understand the changes and how it fits in with the reorganisation of local councils in Worcestershire
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 (see local government reorganisation for more information on 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:
Conversations are still ongoing about what devolution will look like in Worcestershire. The first step towards this devolution is deciding the reorganisation of Worcestershire councils.
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.
It is also possible the northern parts of the county may wish to become part of the existing West Midlands Combined Authority.
The timetable for devolution is not yet known. It could happen at the same time as elections to the new council(s) in May 2027 or it could happen at a later date.
Any proposed new council structures as part of local government reorganisation, need to help deliver or “unlock” devolution.
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