The English Devolution White Paper, published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government, marks a significant shift in the governance landscape, offering new powers to local authorities and regional leaders. With planning and housing at its core, this policy framework promises to revolutionise town planning across England.
The White Paper mandates all areas, with or without Strategic Authorities, to produce Spatial Development Strategies. This move aims to streamline planning processes, ensuring consistency and a strategic approach to housing delivery. Combined with newly granted development management powers, Mayors will now have the authority to call in applications of strategic importance, a power akin to that of the Mayor of London.
The document introduces the Mayoral Community Infrastructure Levy, enabling leaders to fund essential infrastructure tied to new developments. This tool ensures that growth is accompanied by necessary public services, addressing long-standing issues of underfunded infrastructure.
To accelerate housing delivery, the White Paper emphasises a stronger partnership between Homes England and Strategic Authorities. By moving towards a regionalised model, the agency aims to be more responsive to local economic plans, ensuring housing developments align with broader regional strategies.
The White Paper establishes a clear framework for devolved powers, prioritising strategic planning, housing, and transport. It encourages collaboration across councils and promotes Mayors as key figures driving local growth. New funding mechanisms, such as consolidated budgets, are set to replace fragmented grants, providing local leaders with greater flexibility to address regional challenges.
This ambitious policy signals the government's commitment to decentralising power, creating a consistent planning framework, and fostering innovation in town planning. By prioritising local knowledge and leadership, the White Paper sets the stage for sustainable growth across England’s diverse regions.
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