Will the budget deliver ‘growth in every postcode’?
Source: The Guardian ·
The chancellor outlined ‘the biggest wave of devolution in a generation’ – but large swathes of the country are excludedBudget 2026: key points at a glanceIn just two years, there could be dozens of mayors preparing to spend billions of pounds as part of Andy Burnham’s mission to devolve greater powers across England.Fresh devolution deals could also be in place following negotiations with…
From the source
In just two years, there could be dozens of mayors preparing to spend billions of pounds as part of Andy Burnham’s mission to devolve greater powers across England. Fresh devolution deals could also be in place following negotiations with leaders in Scotland, Wales and possibly Northern Ireland, allowing the prime minister to say at the next election that he has fulfilled a promise to rewire Britain’s political landscape with a view to giving more local control. This was the message from John Healey’s first budget, which outlined the direction of travel and put in some milestones, including a 2028 commitment to devolve some income tax receipts to mayors of strategic authorities (MSAs). He added the commitment that next year, 20% of business rates revenues will go to mayors. He told MPs that he was offering mayors 100% of their business rates income by the end of the decade and the ability to tax visitors who stay in hotels and B&Bs in their aream, via a new overnight visitors levy.…