"The COVID-19 crisis has demonstrated the strength of councils' local leadership and the benefits that come from national and local government working together in partnership."
Responding to the Prime Minister’s speech in Coventry outlining his “levelling-up” programme, Cllr James Jamieson, Chairman of the Local Government Association said:
"Over the last decade, England has taken steps towards greater devolution, but areas outside the city regions have remained stuck in the 'devolution slow lane' and the UK remains one of the most centralised countries in the democratic world.
"The COVID-19 crisis has demonstrated the strength of councils' local leadership and the benefits that come from national and local government working together in partnership.
"As we look towards securing a recovery that works for all, now is the right time to bring forward an ambitious new devolution settlement that gives councils the powers and funding they need to address regional inequality, tackle concentrations of deprivation and make towns and communities across England attractive places to live, work and visit.
"We support the Prime Minister's refreshed commitment to turbo-charge this agenda and we look forward to working with councils and government to make this ambition a reality."