Labour needs to devolve to deliver

In the past week there has been increased debate about English regions outside of London and in particular the North. It is fair to say that George Osborne’s claim to want to create a ‘northern powerhouse’ have received a mixed response.

Some such as Sheffield writer Marina Lewycka have taken the Chancellor and the Coalition to task for its record in her city in the last four years, which undermines those claims – ranging from the cancellation of a loan to Forgemasters, deep cuts to the council’s budgets and inhibiting the city’s two universities. Other commentators have suggested that while this new direction is very welcome, they suspect it has more to do with the proximity to the general election and the realisation that the Conservative Party cannot win a majority without gaining seats in the North West and Yorkshire. Some in the North East wonder if the Coalition even knows that the region exists, given their omission from any transport plans.

The sincerity of the Chancellor’s remarks aside, there is no denying that there is a public desire to see greater economic devolution and a shift away from London-centric growth. Labour is well-placed to capitalise. A Survation poll for us in spring revealed 65% of voters agree that ‘too much of England is run from London’. This view is strongest among Labour (78%), Liberal Democrat (72%) and UKIP supporters (71%). Furthermore only 33% believe that ‘most economic powers should continue to be delivered at a national level by the central UK government to co-ordinate the national economy’. In contrast 50% of voters believe ‘more economic powers should be delivered at a local or a regional level to allow local areas to develop their own economies’. 40% of voters say they’re more likely to consider voting for a party if it pledged to devolve more powers to their local area.

‘Devolve Deliver’ is a new network of Labour supporters who want to see the next Labour government capture the public mood and recognise that a true ‘one nation’ economy includes devolving powers and opportunities to regions, devolved nationals and local communities. Whether it’s tackling youth unemployment, boosting industrial growth or shaping transport infrastructure plans, people in those areas are best placed to determine the priorities. We very much welcome the positive signs from Shadow Ministers to date but think Labour can be bolder and more explicit in pledging to devolve economic powers across the UK. It certainly shouldn’t be a debate confined to Scotland as their referendum approaches. That is why we’ve created a statement to show support for this agenda:

“We believe that the UK is over-centralised and as a result economic opportunities to invest, grow and prosper are missed.

For too many people government decision-making can seem remote and unresponsive to the economic needs and priorities of their area. The unhealthy hoarding of decision-making powers in our capital city is neither good for the country as a whole or ultimately for London. The coalition government has failed to rebalance the economy because it has failed to rebalance power.

Every local area can contribute to building a diverse and sustainable national economy and should share in economic prosperity that follows. To do this the next government will need to do things differently. We urge Labour to commit to devolving substantial economic powers and investment away from Whitehall and to encourage all those who can play an active part in local and regional growth to do so.

We are fundamentally optimistic that if given the right tools our regions and local communities can transform our country. Devolve and we will deliver.”

If you agree with it then please email with your name, address and if relevant any relevant position (such as if you’re a councillor, candidate or CLP member). It doesn’t matter where in the UK you live, if this is an agenda you support then add your name and please share with others. We’ll publish the list of supporters in the coming weeks. To find out more please visit www.devolvedeliver.org.uk, follow @devolvedeliver or email.

Neil Foster, Co-ordinator of the Devolve Deliver network