Dorset Council’s leader, Nick Ireland, has expressed significant concerns regarding the government’s devolution plans, which involve neighboring local authorities. The devolution initiative, spearheaded by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, aims to grant more powers and autonomy to local councils. However, the lack of detail in the initial proposal has left many local leaders skeptical about the potential benefits and practical implications of the plan.
In her letter dated July 16, Rayner invited councils to collaborate on a new devolution program designed to “light the touch paper of growth across our regions.” The Labour government is proposing to devolve powers over key areas such as transport, skills development, housing, planning, and employment support. This ambitious program seeks to enhance regional autonomy and enable local authorities to address local needs more effectively.
Nick Ireland, who leads the Liberal Democrat administration of Dorset Council, has voiced his frustration with the proposal. He criticized the government’s communication as lacking in specifics, particularly regarding the financial implications and the actual scope of the powers to be devolved. Ireland highlighted that while councils in Dorset, BCP, Somerset, Wiltshire, and Swindon are in discussions to submit a joint bid by the end of September, there is no clear indication of how much additional funding or what specific powers might be granted. He emphasized that without detailed financial commitments or a clear outline of how resources might be utilized differently, the devolution plan risks being ineffective.
Ireland also pointed out that the deal might not address critical issues such as funding for adult social care and children’s services, which are significant financial drains on local budgets. His concern is that the devolution proposal might not provide the necessary support to tackle these pressing challenges effectively. He stressed that the local government needs to be “properly funded” to manage essential services and that the lack of detail in the proposal leaves many questions unanswered.
Tom Hayes, the newly elected Labour MP for Bournemouth East, echoed Ireland’s concerns but also emphasized the potential benefits of devolution if properly implemented. Hayes stressed that any devolution plan should focus on making tangible improvements in people’s lives, not just expanding powers. He also mentioned that while he is open to the idea of additional funding and powers, he remains uncertain about the necessity of introducing a regional mayor, which has been a topic of debate among local officials.
Simon Hoare, Conservative MP for North Dorset and a former local government minister, underscored the importance of collaboration among the involved councils. He emphasized that for the devolution plan to be successful, there must be a cohesive approach among all participating authorities. Hoare stressed that coordination and synergy are crucial to ensure that the various councils are aligned and working towards common objectives rather than pursuing conflicting interests.
The general sentiment among local leaders is one of cautious optimism. While the potential for increased local autonomy and resources is welcomed, the lack of concrete details in the government’s initial proposal has left many councils uncertain about how the plan will be implemented and what impact it will have on their communities. As discussions continue, local authorities are likely to seek more clarity and detailed information from the government to better understand how the devolution initiative will affect their operations and financial stability.
