The mission of levelling up is a noble one and one attracting broad political consensus, at least in a generalised sense.
Ensuring those areas that have felt left behind make progress and are able to achieve their ambitions is likely to be at the centre of any government’s decision-making.
The Levelling Up White Paper was, therefore, a deeply significant policy moment in this Government’s history. At the very least, it could be described as a useful roadmap for the Government’s future plans.
Sadly, the deterioration of the public finances and a broader atmosphere of political uncertainty, together with a feeling of running out of time, have led many to wonder whether levelling up will continue to be such a priority.
Rarely in this nation’s modern history has politics been so febrile, but have we now – at least in a narrow Westminster sense – reached a calmer period?
Having indicated a likely departure from frontline politics, we now find Michael Gove back as Secretary of State for Levelling Up.
As someone with real drive and ambition for levelling up, it was timely that the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Devolution, which I chair, launched its latest levelling up report just as he returned to office.
What better time to produce guidance from a respected source on how to proceed? It should be even more welcome than usual.
Our report into the Levelling Up White Paper focuses on the themes of leadership, representation and accountability.
Our previous report, ‘Levelling up devo’, suggested a range of recommendations that required a profound cultural shift in attitude towards local government from Westminster. Some of those themes have appeared again in our new report, as it was clear that there is still some way to go in this regard.
The appetite for new devolution deals is very clear, and we know from our evidence that where they are right they can be transformative.
The Government must, however, listen more to local communities about what they want and what works for them.
There is a compelling case for arguing that, for levelling up to truly succeed, it must be locally led. There is strong case for it to draw on the deep well of skills and experience in our existing local government structures.
Through local leadership and a clear view of where we are going, we can significantly improve outcomes across the board from areas that have previously felt left behind.
During my time in politics, I have served at town, district, county, regional, national and European level.
My certainty that progress towards a greater degree of local decision-making is not only desirable but necessary has been reaffirmed by this enlightening inquiry and our report. There is a hunger and enthusiasm at a local level to make this process work; some of our most passionate evidence came from local leaders such as Mayor Andy Burnham, of Greater Manchester, and Stoke-on-Trent’s Leader Cllr Abi Brown, and our nation has a deep well of expertise that is waiting to be tapped.
It is my sincere hope that the Government will adopt our recommendations and be bold in pushing forward with a levelling up agenda that works for every part of our country.
The Devolution APPG’s report on the Levelling Up White Paper can be read in full at www.connectpa.co.uk/devolution-appg
