The deal decision

摘要

One of the recognised fathers of devolution, Sir Richard Leese, last week announced his intention to step down as leader of Manchester City Council. As he steps aside after a quarter of a century, councils across the country have been weighing up whether to follow in his footsteps by deciding whether to submit an expression of interest in signing devolution deals including county deals. Leicestershire and Hertfordshire are understood to be at the front of the queue but here The MJ rounds up the current state of play across England.Buckinghamshire Council leader Martin Tett says the area was 'uniquely well-placed for a county deal' given it was a new large unitary with 'complete alignment' with its business, health and skills providers. He said he was 'very confident' devolution would bring long-term benefits' to Buckinghamshire and the UK economy as a whole, adding: 'What we really need is a multi-year package of government support backed up by business cases and a robust package of freedoms, flexibilities and investment so we can get on with the job.'