TO BE PUBLISHED May 2025
Starting from:
£99 + VAT
Format: DOWNLOADABLE PDF
This conference will examine next steps for devolution in England.
It will be an opportunity for stakeholders and policymakers to assess the future for regional autonomy, following publication of the English Devolution White Paper, and the plans it outlines for reorganisation of local government structures and the rollout of Strategic Authorities across England.
Sessions will discuss the scope of further devolution plans in England, issues around their implementation, as well as assessing progress of the 2023 Trailblazer Devolution deals and lessons that can be drawn from established Combined Authorities. We also expect discussion on the expanded powers proposed in the 2024 Autumn Budget, including Integrated Funding Settlements, as well as looking forward to priorities for the upcoming Spending Review.
Further sessions focus on strategic approaches to fostering regional growth, including attracting investment, promoting innovation, and advancing international trade. Delegates will examine the role of Combined Authorities and Metro Mayors within the context of the Invest 2035 industrial strategy, looking at the development of Investment Zones and regional strategies for skills training. Implications of funding changes for local authorities will be discussed, looking at reforms to district councils and their impact on the implementation of Local Growth Plans. We expect the agenda to bring out latest thinking on best practice in structuring effective collaboration and partnership models between Combined Authorities and councils.
The conference will also discuss opportunities and challenges around increased local control over key services, such as housing and transport. Delegates will examine local strategies for meeting government housebuilding targets, implications of recent measures granting more authority to planning officers, and approaches to addressing regional housing needs. In terms of transport, those attending will consider the future of local and pan-regional collaborations, examining the integration of transport links and strategies to improve connectivity across both new and established Combined Authorities. The way forward for regional partnerships and their role in delivering cohesive infrastructure development will also be assessed, including opportunities for enhanced coordination and service delivery.
With the agenda currently in the drafting stage, overall areas for discussion include:
- devolution next steps: examining the English Devolution White Paper - scope - considerations for effective delivery - tailored approaches to meet regional needs - Integrated Funding Settlements
- learning from progress so far: assessing the 2023 Trailblazer Devolution deals - experience of establishing devolved bodies - localised approaches to skills education and economic growth
- economic growth: best practice in strategies for development - attracting investment - regionally-specific industry skills and jobs - the future of pan-regional partnerships - Investment Zones
- local and inter-regional transport: effective regional collaborations - integrating transport connections and improving connectivity - community engagement
- support priorities: strategic considerations for economic viability of councils in the long-term - opportunities for funding reform in a devolved system - the future for local authority reforms
- equity and inclusion: best practice for engaging councils within combined authorities - fair distribution of opportunities and benefits across and between regions
