Metro mayors have powers to be progressive now

Greater devolution to towns and cities across the UK could help to boost growth and share prosperity across the country. The majority of the ideas in The Real Deal, a new report by Speri and Cles, are sensible, realistic proposals for the transfers of power from central to local government. But the chances of some of these happening in the near future may be slim.

The current period of devolution may not be perfect. But there is a fantastic opportunity to do things differently using the powers that are on offer.

The leadership needed to making the most of existing devolved powers must come from the new metro mayors. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation believe that city regions can play a big role in solving poverty in the UK. Here are a few thoughts on how mayors can use the powers they will have in a progressive way.

Firstly, mayors can target employment and training support to households experiencing poverty. Most devolution deals include joint commissioning of employment support for harder to reach claimants. Successful schemes would provide tailored help for individuals though pre-employment, employment entry, and importantly, once they have found work.

‘For progressive devolution, success needs to be made of the

current powers. Good metro mayors will make this possible’

Jobs created through major development and infrastructure projects will also help with this. Mayors should work with local authority leaders in their cabinets to use planning and procurement policies to generate employment and skills opportunities for local residents. Some local authorities will already be doing this, but our evidence shows good practice isn’t always shared within city regions.

Secondly, mayors can make use of their convening powers. The elections next year will provide the victors with huge political mandates. The triumphant Greater Manchester mayor will have received a minimum of 450,000 votes if turnout is similar to that of the 2016 London mayoral election.

This type of mandate could be used to convene anchor institutions to take collective action around an issue. It could be increasing procurement spend in the local economy, or it might be leading the way on paying the living wage. Matthew Todd sets out further suggestions in a chapter in The Real Deal. But countless examples from cities in the US show that additional powers aren’t always needed foster positive change.

Housing and transport are two other policy areas where mayors could make an immediate difference.

The bus services bill currently going through parliament could give metro mayors Transport for London-style powers over buses. Reviewing routes and fares to create a bus system that is accessible and connects deprived areas with opportunity should be a priority.

Most Metro mayors will have responsibility for a spatial strategy. A mayor intent on increasing affordable housing delivery could use this to set higher targets, while also ensuring new housing developments are well connected to areas with new employment opportunities.

While mayors won’t have control over affordable housing budgets, building strong relationships with the regional Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) should be a priority. Showing competent and effective leadership will help to convince government to transfer HCA powers to cities. Use of mayoral development corporations is another way to boost regeneration activity and influence housing delivery in a particular locality.

Scrutiny and open decision-making is further area where metro mayors could take immediate action. Devolution deals to date have taken place behind closed doors, involving a small group of officials. To be successful, mayors will need to change this. Simple steps could include showing decision-making meetings online, hosting monthly press conferences, and holding regular open public meetings.

But just as crucial will be formal scrutiny of decision-making. Metro mayors should ensure they have properly funded and staffed overview and scrutiny arrangements, with back bench councillors from each member authority represented. The cities and local government devolution act has a provision to make this possible.

With additional powers, metro mayors could of course do much more. Speri and Cles are right to highlight this. For devolution to be more progressive in future, success needs to be made of the present. Good metro mayors will make this possible. A lot is resting on them.