Planning, Power, and Progress: What the English Devolution Bill promises

14 Jan 25

2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the built environment. While the headlines will likely focus on NPPF reforms, boosted housing numbers, and the much-anticipated Planning and Infrastructure Bill, a quieter revolution is being set in motion: decentralisation and the proposed English Devolution Bill.

The UK remains one of the most centralised OECD countries, with only a fraction of government spending managed by local authorities. Decentralisation has long been associated with balanced regional growth and resilience. The white paper setting the stage for the Bill outlines measures that could fundamentally reshape our planning landscape.

One standout proposal is the introduction of statutory Spatial Development Strategies (SDSs) for areas outside London. These strategies would mark the return of strategic planning, providing combined authorities and metro mayors with the tools to guide long-term development and infrastructure investment—filling the void left by the abolition of regional planning.

Another transformative idea within the white paper is fiscal reform. If realised, local authorities could retain a greater share of locally generated revenue, granting financial independence and incentivising economic growth. Combined with simplified, stable multiyear funding settlements, this could elevate local government from its reactive “firefighting” mode to a more strategic and effective role.

The proposals also aim to expand the powers and numbers of metro mayors and combined authorities, positioning them to play a central role in coordinating infrastructure priorities, unlocking development potential, and driving regional ambitions. The prospect of TfL-style transport systems extending beyond London, as seen in Greater Manchester, is particularly exciting.

What does this mean for planning? If decentralisation delivers as envisioned, we could see a more balanced, resilient, and dynamic planning system—not to mention improved public services. However, regional equity has eluded successive governments (levelling up, anyone?), so cautious optimism is warranted.

As we await further details on the English Devolution Bill, one thing is clear: the white paper reflects a detailed and pragmatic approach to tackling deficiencies in the current system. The planning profession will need to stay agile as these proposals evolve into legislation.

The White Paper setting the stage for the forthcoming Bill.