Regional Mayors to Gain Share of Income Tax Under Devolution Plan
The plan would give mayors new revenue streams and faster approval powers for transport and housing projects, officials said.
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced on Friday a major devolution plan granting regional mayors a share of income tax and business rates to drive local growth and investment.
- The shift aims to "end the Whitehall-first culture that has held back local areas for decades," according to Local Government Secretary Angela Rayner, by transferring financial power from Westminster to regional leaders.
- Local leaders gain authority over 16-19 funding and employment support, alongside "stronger planning powers" to "build more homes where they're needed and unlock stalled development sites," the Government promised.
- Mayor Kim McGuinness welcomed the pledge as "what we've been fighting for," while Lib Dem local government spokeswoman Zoe Franklin warned against creating a "two-tier system" for revenue access.
- Further details will appear in the Budget later this year, while mayors are scheduled to retain a share of locally-generated business rates from next spring, according to the Government.
54 Articles
54 Articles
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