Labour’s English Devolution White Paper unveiled by deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner proposes end of New Forest District Council

PLANS for a new era of “local power” unveiled by the Labour government will spell the end of New Forest District Council as it looks to create “devolution by default”.

As reported in the A&T, Chancellor Rachel Reeves previously set out a move to end the two-tier local government system, introduced in 1974 by the Conservatives.

Now the landmark English Devolution White Paper – published today (Monday) – confirms proposals to abolish the system, with every region of England covered by new “strategic authorities”, similar those which currently have elected regional mayors.

However, critics of the plans have warned they could create ‘mega councils’ and erode power at the most-local levels.

During a speech at the launch of the white paper, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: “Devolution will no longer be agreed by the whim of a minister in Whitehall. It will now be default in our constitution.

“We will bring new efficiency and accountability to local and regional government, and we will truly empower the local champions who understand their area, its identity, its strength and how to harness them.

“There is really no good reason for ministers to sign off cattle grids or new cycle lanes.”

Those critical of the plans include the District Councils Network, which warned of the risk of removing localised decision making. It also said there was little evidence that such reorganisations had saved money in the past.

Commenting on the announcement, leader of New Forest District Council, Cllr Jill Cleary, told the A&T: “I want to assure you that we are reviewing the content and implications of the proposals in the English Devolution White Paper.

“For our valued staff, potential changes can bring uncertainty so we will prioritise transparency and open communication. For our people and place, we remain committed to our primary goal of delivering exceptional services to our community.

“My commitment remains to ensure the New Forest has a strong voice in the discussions to come.”

Leader of Hampshire County Council, Cllr Nick Adams-King, has previously said the New Forest population would potentially be needed to boost those of a neighbouring council and could be swallowed by BCP Council or “more likely” Southampton.

He told the A&T that while there were benefits to devolution – such as more power at a local level and the funding which comes with it – he had concerns.

“What I fear is that all the good stuff can be caught up in the uncertainty and disruption that reorganisation brings.

“If there is a simple and straightforward way to rework the council structure for Hampshire that will benefit services for people, then yes I would welcome it. I am not convinced that there is.”

He added at the “forefront” of decisions should be “the thousands of people who work for the council and many more thousands who rely on the council for services”.

The white paper also details a universal system of strategic planning set to be introduced, with the government stating it plans to “move quickly” with the process by creating a Spatial Development Strategy (SDS).

An SDS will guide development for a local planning authority, and its Local Plan will need to be in “general conformity”. However, the government says authorities should not delay development of Local Plans while they await the adoption of an SDS.

The paper states the government is also introducing a new “bespoke duty” to ensure strategic authorities strive to improve health and reduce health inequalities. This would see mayors or a delegate appointed to one or more relevant Integrated Care Partnerships in their local area.

Strategic authorities will have an important role to play in achieving the government’s Safer Streets Mission, says the paper, supporting rehabilitation and reducing reoffending, and in supporting the safety of their residents and the resilience of their communities. But the white paper says mayors can play a bigger role with the right tools, complementing the role of local authorities in this area.

Strategic authorities will also take greater oversight of local transport networks, as the government says bringing decisions about transport closer to people is key to improving the transport networks relied on every day.

The government says it intends to bring forward an English Devolution Bill which will deliver its “manifesto commitment and vision” set out in the white paper.

NFDC is expected to receive a letter from the government in the new year. The first new strategic authorities could be set up by 2027 and will, for the most part, cover areas with a population of 1.5 million or above.