Lord Heseltine calls for housing powers to be devolved

The former deputy prime minister Lord Heseltine has called for England’s metro mayors to be given more powers to delivering housing skills and jobs.

In a report published today (2 July), entitled Empowering English Cities, Lord Heseltine concludes that while there was great progress in transferring powers and money away from Westminster in the past, devolution has stalled in recent years, partly because of Brexit.

In order to remedy this, he argues that combined authorities should take on responsibility for affordable housing, school performance and employment in their respective areas.

He also calls for more capital funding for transport, skills and housing to be devolved from Whitehall and the creation of a new government department for the English regions.

The former deputy prime minister also argues that combined authorities with metro mayors be given the powers to raise local taxes, including local road tax, airport passenger duty and tourism taxes.

‘There is no single solution to tackling these economic challenges,’ said Lord Heseltine.

‘If our great city-regions are once again to become the engines of economic growth for our country, it will require long term and enduring partnership work between the private sector and all levels of government, ensuring that city-regions have a good supply of skilled labour; are well connected; have land available for homes and employment; have rich, innovation ecosystems, often built around a university; and have an attractive cultural offer for their communities.’

The directly-elected mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street added: ‘Devolution has led to billions of pounds of investment and new powers handed down to the region, meaning we are not consumed by the Brexit logjam of Westminster and can carry on delivering for our regions.

‘This new report shows how the next prime minister can continue the hard work done by Lord Heseltine and others to really empower city regions in England. I wholeheartedly support the recommendations.’

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