More devolution in England: opportunities to unlock local potential

More devolution in England: opportunities to unlock local potential 

The RHA welcomes the announcement of six new areas joining the Government’s Devolution Priority Programme.

Cumbria, Cheshire & Warrington, Norfolk & Suffolk, Greater Essex, Sussex & Brighton, and Hampshire & Solent are on board – with mayors to be elected by May 2026.

Additionally, four new devolution institutions have been established. These are two new mayoral authorities in Greater Lincolnshire and Hull and East Yorkshire, and the formation of combined county authorities in Devon and Torbay, and Lancashire.

Richard Smith, RHA Managing Director, said:

“We are strong advocates of metro mayors and combined authorities, recognising that they are invaluable for getting things done on local initiatives.

“They play a key role in strategic planning around transport, skills and business support – and we look forward to working with them unlock local potential to drive economic growth.”