'Dark Days' was the font page headline of The MJ (20 Nov 2015) in the wake of the chancellor's Autumn Statement. Once the implications of the proposals had been digested, it became clear they contained bad news for local government. But it is not just the Autumn Statement which gives cause for concern. There have been a number of other recent policy proposals which collectively would have the effect of introducing a further 'step change' in the erosion of local government's position in our unwritten constitution. Since the early 1980s, progressive centralisation has occurred, followed more recently by a 'hollowing out' of local government services. Now, when local government is in its weakest position since pre- Victorian times, we are experiencing an era of selective and opportunistic devolution inspired by the chancellor. Is this the right time to be supporting devolution?
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