The result of a Conservative majority government in the General Election a few weeks ago means we now have an increasingly clear picture of the devolution landscape over the next five years. The Cities Devolution Bill is a landmark statement for the localisation of power. It shows that the Government has recognised that devolved powers for local areas are a way to solve the 'productivity puzzle'. Chancellor of the exchequer George Osborne has put his particular stamp on this agenda, with an emphasis on size, scale and direct executive accountability. We now have the opportunity to demonstrate to the chancellor we have the accountability, visibility and transparency at a local level to make decisions based upon local need and aspiration which would deliver the increased investment and promotion of healthy labour markets that the chancellor wants. A practical example of how areas could fully engage their citizens would be power authority autonomy. This would allow the needs of businesses and wealth creators to match the aspirations of our residents, particularly young people.
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