Devolution White Paper launch: Cllr Louise Gittins speech

Good afternoon. It’s great to join you all today.  

I am Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of the Local Government Association and Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council. 

Local government is the backbone of our country.  

Our dedicated councillors and officers make a difference in their communities, working hard every day to improve the lives of their residents and building thriving places.  

As Chair of the LGA, I have seen firsthand the work of councils at the very heart of local decision-making and delivery.  

They are the key to solving our biggest national challenges and critical in promoting sustainable local economic growth.   

We have continued delivering despite the financial challenges we’ve faced. 

Here in Leeds the council, working with partners have developed the pioneering Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme – protecting more than 4,000 homes and over a thousand businesses along the River Aire catchment in Leeds and neighbouring communities.  

The project will help protect more than 33,000 jobs in Leeds alone. 

Essex County Council and Chelmsford City Council are partnering with Network Rail to build Beaulieu Park Station in Chelmsford.  

The new station is part of a wider regeneration scheme, with new road infrastructure and up to 14,000 homes. 

In my own council of Cheshire West and Chester, we have established Origin, in Ellesmere Port, and it’s set to be the first decarbonised industrial zone in the world and home to Hynet, who recently received £5 billion from government to develop low carbon and green energy.  

Origin is the home of over 1,000 businesses and 24,000 jobs driving forward the green revolution and leading the race to net zero in the northwest.  

Even when councils come together to form combined authorities, we must remember that councillors are the conveners and leaders of their local places, bringing together local partners to tackle complex challenges.  

They are uniquely placed to bridge gaps, coordinate efforts, and deliver results that no single agency can achieve alone. 

This is why the LGA has been clear that local leaders should have more of a say in the decisions and work of other public sector organisations in their places. 

However, our ability to deliver our priorities has been diminished by budget reductions over the past 15 years.  

We estimate councils have made nearly £25 billion of savings and efficiencies in their services in this period. 

To truly unlock the potential of local government, we also need meaningful devolution. Devolution which isn’t just about transferring powers from Westminster but giving councils the tools and resources to shape their places for the better. 

The launch of the white paper today marks an important moment for councils, communities and our country.  

The LGA has long called for the devolution of powers to local places. 

We want every council in England to be able to secure devolution that works for them, their local economies, and their residents.  

While different areas will have strong views on what that should look like, genuine devolution of powers and resources can play a huge role in promoting inclusive economic growth, creating jobs, and improving public services.  

In a very centralised country, moving funding and power from Whitehall to local leaders is needed, but it must be done in a way where empowered councils and the communities they serve are at the heart of decision-making. 

Reforms in this white paper will have a significant impact on every council and community.  

Our members are – and always have been – open to change, however we remain clear that local government reorganisation should be a matter for councils and local areas to decide.  

Over the coming months, the LGA will be engaging proactively with all our members as we look to respond fully to the white paper.  

At the same time, we will closely monitor the bill and work with Parliamentarians to ensure we get the best possible legislation on behalf of our members. 

In local government we will continue working even more closely with mayors across the country as we look to strengthen those existing bonds for the benefit of our communities.  

Councillors and mayors each bring unique strengths to the table to transform our communities.  

I have seen the incredible work across England where councils and mayors are working hand in hand – to drive development, build the homes we need, and boost transport infrastructure.  

These partnerships are proof that when we come together, we can build cohesive communities, attract investment, and deliver meaningful, sustainable change. 

However, as we consider the proposals further, it is important we acknowledge the mayoral model might not work in some places and geographies – all councils should be able to choose their own path.  

As we move along on our devolution journey, local leaders and mayors will continue to collaborate, ensuring that every corner of England feels the benefit of our shared ambition to create the positive outcomes our communities deserve. 

Now, it is my absolute pleasure to welcome Tracy Brabin, the Mayor of West Yorkshire.  

I have had the privilege of working with Tracy over the last few years through Transport for the North and the Vision for the north, and now in my new role working together to bringing local government and mayoral combined authorities even closer. 

Tracy is a passionate advocate for communities, a trailblazer for regional growth, and a true champion of equality and opportunity. 

Please join me in giving her a warm welcome.