George Osborne unveils ‘revolutionary’ devolution deals for Liverpool and Birmingham in step closer to Northern Powerhouse
This second article on devolution showcases the signing of agreements with Liverpool and the West Midlands. At the national RSN conference there was much debate about what the requirement for a mayor meant for rural areas which are by nature more diverse and complex in their constituent parts. No answer has yet emerged and this policy continues to be largely “blind” in the context of rural places. The article tells us of Liverpool:
Voters will now chose a directly elected mayor in 2017 in exchange for powers over local transport and increased responsibility over employment support and skills.
The deal also includes support for Liverpool to attract major international events as well as backing for its cultural attractions.
Mr Osborne said: “Today is a historic day for the Liverpool city region and a historic day for the Northern Powerhouse.”
The deal puts Birmingham, Britain’s second city, and the wider West Midlands, in line to be governed by a metro-mayor. It is the first region to sign up for devolution outside of the Northern Powerhouse.
The West Midlands Combined Authority will be granted sweeping powers over transport and skills and will win Treasury backing for schemes including the Curzon Street Enterprise Zone.