Thinktank Calls for Greater Scrutiny of England's Mayors as Devolution Powers Expand
IPPR North warns that expanding the powers of England's regional mayors without stronger oversight could put the broader devolution agenda at risk if a single decision goes wrong.
England's regional mayors should face significantly greater official scrutiny as their powers expand, according to the thinktank IPPR North, which warned that the broader devolution agenda could be put at risk by a single poor decision.
The warning comes as government ministers prepare to set out plans next month that would give regional leaders control over potentially billions of pounds in additional funding, as part of what has been described as a "transformational" shift of power away from central government departments in Whitehall.
Balancing power with accountability
IPPR North's report frames greater scrutiny as a necessary counterpart to the expanded authority mayors are expected to receive, arguing that stronger oversight mechanisms would help protect the devolution agenda from being derailed by mismanagement or poor decision-making at the regional level.
The devolution push has been associated with figures such as Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, whose approach to regional governance has been cited as a model for the broader shift of powers to English regions. As more funding and authority move to mayoral offices, questions about transparency, accountability and oversight structures have become more prominent in the policy debate.
The thinktank's call adds to a wider conversation among policymakers and analysts about how to ensure regional devolution delivers effective governance without compromising financial and administrative accountability as mayors take on responsibilities previously held by national government.
Sources
- England’s mayors should face greater scrutiny as powers expand, thinktank says — The Guardian — World
EGazette summarizes reporting from multiple sources; follow the links for the originals.
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