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All areas of England set to get a new mayor under Burnham’s push to hand out powers
The government plans to expand devolution across England, with ten new agreements in their final stages and a target of covering 90 per cent of the population. The changes would increase the number of regional authorities from 12 to 22, giving local leaders more funding and responsibility for infrastructure, transport and housing.
New mayoral authorities are planned for Devon, Plymouth and Torbay; Hertfordshire; Lancashire; Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland; Stoke and Staffordshire; Surrey; Thames Valley; and Wessex. Kent and Medway, and Cornwall, would have different models. From April 2028, mayoral authorities would retain a uniform share of local basic-rate income tax without setting rates or bands, and could introduce a visitor levy by March 2028. The Budget also provides £285 million for local projects; business-rate reforms are due to start in 2027, with the government aiming for local and regional authorities to retain all business rates by 2030.
In short
- Ten new devolution agreements are nearing completion.
- England is set to have 22 regional authorities.
- Mayors would retain some tax revenue for local investment.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Giving elected regional leaders more control over transport, housing and infrastructure could help decisions reflect local needs and join up services across wider areas. Stable local funding, including a share of income tax and business rates, may support long-term planning and reduce reliance on central government.
The case against
Creating more regional authorities could add another layer of government, complicate accountability and increase administrative costs. Critics may also question whether a uniform tax share and new visitor levies give councils enough flexibility, or whether shifting powers and revenue locally could widen differences between areas.
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