Rural concerns risk being sidelined in devolution shake-up

England faces “most radical” local government shake-up

England is facing its “most radical reorganisation of local government” since 1972, with power being transferred from Westminster to regional mayors and local authorities. But there are growing concerns that rural areas could be left behind in the process.

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, introduced to Parliament in July and currently progressing through the Commons, will create a new tier of “strategic authorities” covering the whole of England. Mayors and combined authorities will gain unprecedented control over transport, housing, planning, skills and economic development.

Critics warn that early devolution deals have focused on urban areas, with established metro mayors in places like Manchester and Liverpool wielding large budgets whilst many rural regions lag behind. Even where mayoral authorities cover significant rural areas, they say, urban priorities tend to dominate.

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Rural voices at risk

Back in August, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Rural Business and the Rural Powerhouse launched an inquiry to examine how rural areas can benefit from devolution. 

At its first meeting on 28 October, MPs and peers heard from Dr Charles Trotman, chief economist at the Country Land and Business Association, Matthew Fright, senior researcher at the Institute for Government, and Lord Inglewood, former chair of Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership. The group heard there was often a disconnect between local decision-makers and rural businesses.

Dr Trotman, whose organisation acts as the APPG’s secretariat, called for rural areas to be given explicit recognition in the Bill as a defined sphere of responsibility for strategic authorities. Without this, he warned, the treatment of rural businesses would vary wildly across the country.

Matthew Fright told the group that the Bill represents “the floor and not the ceiling for mayors”, with the expectation being that they would ask for additional powers over time. The challenge, he suggested, is ensuring mayors understand which powers will genuinely support rural businesses.

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MPs push for greater recognition

John Milne, Liberal Democrat MP for Horsham and chair of the inquiry, said: “Through this APPG, we want to ensure rural voices are properly heard in Westminster. Today we held our first evidence session in Parliament – an excellent start, and I’m looking forward to future meetings.”

Mr Milne previously stated “recent government changes have only reinforced what rural communities have long felt: that those in power lack a true understanding of the unique challenges they face”.

The inquiry will hold further meetings in December, with a final report due in 2026 offering recommendations to newly elected mayors.