In a nation as centralized as England, can Westminster finally loosen its grip and empower local governments? That is the question at the heart of the latest push for devolution, which seeks to shift decision-making closer to communities. But experts warn that unless central authorities are willing to fundamentally rethink their role, this initiative could face the same fate as past attempts at decentralization.
The Subsidiarity Stumbling Block
At the core of the devolution debate is the subsidiarity principle – the idea that decisions should be made at the most local level possible. It’s a concept embraced across Europe, where regional governments wield substantial power. But in England, it remains more theory than practice.
Until the taxation system is revised to favor local government, that centralization, and the dead hand of Westminster, will continue.
Tom Wilson, Professor Emeritus, University of Sheffield
Wilson points to the vast disparity in spending power between English councils and their European counterparts. Gothenburg, Sweden, a city the size of Sheffield, has a budget over five times larger per capita. The reason, he argues, is a tax system that directs revenue to the local level.
Counties vs. Regions
The shape of devolution is also hotly debated. Some, like Roger Read, former secretary general of Metrex, the network of European metropolitan regions, argue that county boundaries are an outdated basis for modern governance. Strategic planning, transportation, environmental management – these issues require a regional approach, he contends.
But others worry regionalism will create an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy. Instead, they advocate empowering existing district and county councils – keeping government close to the people. “Larger does not mean better,” writes Barrie Baldelli of Worcestershire, “and makes the legislators more remote from the electorate.”
Local Voices Sidelined
For communities already grappling with the loss of local councils, devolution without autonomy rings hollow. John Harris of North Yorkshire laments how the abolishment of Richmondshire district council has left his town “abandoned” and “politically neutered.”
Under the reorganization, Richmond is set to be split up, erasing its cohesive voice. Meanwhile, decision-making has been further centralized under a distant regional mayor. It’s a common refrain: efficiency imposed from above at the expense of local identity and control.
A New Vision Needed
If devolution is to succeed, argue proponents, it will require more than tinkering at the margins. England needs a new social contract between central and local government, one that upends centuries of centralized thinking.
- Fiscal federalism – Redirect tax revenue to councils to fund local priorities
- Empower districts and counties – Build on existing democratic structures
- Strategic regionalism – Create voluntary regional bodies for cross-cutting issues
- Double devolution – Devolve power from counties to towns and parishes
The path forward won’t be easy. It will demand a culture change in Whitehall, where centralizing instincts run deep. Councils too will need to raise their game, building capacity to take on new responsibilities. Most of all, it will require a willingness on all sides to let go of the reins and trust in local communities to chart their own course. Only then can devolution’s promise be realized.
