Jon Trickett MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, commenting on new research that shows that while the Government has devolved some limited economic powers it is centralising many more powers over housing and education and at the same time cutting local government funding by nearly 60%, said:

 “We are seeing deals across the country that are only scratching the surface of the kind of devolution that’s really needed. 

 “Labour believes in a devolution that gives local people the power to make their communities and economies stronger and fairer. But Osborne has taken away communities’ voice over where schools are built, how many council homes they need and has cut services for older people and children. The Government should stop stalling and offer real devolution now over education and housing. Giving councils powers on transport and skills is only the first step, you cannot grow local economies without strong public services.”

 Councillor Nick Forbes, Labour’s Leader in the Local Government Association, said:

 “Councils have shown real ambition in their asks for devolved powers and it is disappointing that the Government has limited what we can deliver.  Instead of empowering councils, the government is cutting our funding and  holding us back.

 “We saw during the floods this winter that the Government’s approach of cuts and centralised control hurts our communities and damages local economies. The Government’s rhetoric doesn’t match the reality on the ground, we need a much more serious approach to getting powers and funding out of Whitehall and into our communities.”

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