UK government unveils plans for 'biggest wave of devolution in a generation'

WorldPolitics
31 Oct 2026 • 6:37 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

UK government unveils plans for 'biggest wave of devolution in a generation'

  • The UK government has unveiled plans to expand regional devolution, aiming to cover 90 per cent of England's population in what it described as the biggest wave of devolution in a generation.
  • Ten new devolution agreements are in their final stages, which will increase the number of regional authorities operating across England from 12 to 22.
  • Directly elected mayors will receive a share of local basic-rate income tax from April 2028 to fund local infrastructure, transport, and housing, though tax rates will remain set by Whitehall.
  • Mayoral authorities will be granted powers to introduce an Overnight Visitor Levy tourist tax by March 2028 alongside reforms allowing regions to retain a higher proportion of business rates.
  • Chancellor John Healey pledged 285 million pounds in direct funding for local projects, including the Black Country Metro extension, the reopening of Doncaster Airport, and London's West London Orbital.

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