Public priorities around effective governance of new devolved areas

Public priorities around effective governance of new devolved areas 

The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) has published a policy briefing paper titled Society Watch: Delivering the Government’s Devolution Revolution, offering fresh insights into public attitudes towards devolution.

In December 2024, the UK Government unveiled its plans to decentralise power, publishing the English Devolution White Paper, to support all areas in accelerating their move towards devolution.

To gain a deeper understanding of societal views on these plans, NatCen conducted a deliberative workshop with residents of Sussex to discuss the White Paper and its implications for local authority powers and accountability, taking on board information from subject specialists. Sussex was selected as a case study because it’s due to experience some of the biggest changes, going from very low levels of devolved power to the creation of a new combined authority.

The key findings of the research include:

• Support for devolution is contingent upon effective local governance, and reassurances that a newly elected Mayor would focus on local needs rather than personal ideological agendas
• The new devolved authority needs to be more closely accountable to the public, not just via local elections. This could be through more consultations or deliberative engagement
• The fact that devolved authorities will gain new powers over planning and coordinating services and infrastructure is seen as a key advantage of greater devolution. Residents of Sussex want these powers deployed to address water pollution, tackle homelessness, ensure housing investment is accompanied by improved public transport links, and integrate health and care services
• Research participants endorse the push for economic growth through devolution, including through upskilling initiatives and attracting business investment. Participants were more concerned to see investment in many local growth initiatives rather than any additional focus around Gatwick

Sarah Cheesbrough, Director of Policy Research at the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), said: “This research into attitudes towards devolution has provided several valuable insights for the UK Government to consider in rebuilding and reforming local government. While some of the feedback is specific to Sussex, there are points relevant to other areas of the country. For instance, public accountability over new Mayors and local governance must be a priority and should be established in advance of the Mayoral Elections in the six new devolved areas next year.”

For more information please contact:
Katie Crabb, Head of Marketing and Communications, National Centre for Social Research
katie.crabb@natcen.ac.uk.