At the end of 2024, the government published their English Devolution White Paper – setting out their plans to reset “the relationship with local and regional government, empowering local leaders and Mayors to make the right decisions for their communities”.
Key plans in the White Paper include extending devolution to all parts of England, giving mayors and local authorities more power and funding flexibility as well as other public service reforms. The independent think tank, Institute for Government said the proposals “represents a substantial transfers of powers” and “will kick off a radical reorganisation of local government”. Alongside this, we’ve seen recent plans for Local Authority Funding Reform, with a new set of ‘principles’ to guide future funding arrangements.
Changes and new structures will have implications not just for public funders, but to everyone investing in a local place. So as thinking about the reforms takes shape, it’s also time to rethink where power sits to make change and funding decisions in a more devolved system. How can funders – both public agencies and independent foundations – capitalise on the government’s plans to devolve power and make local authority funding more flexible? What are the opportunities for more community control over funding decisions, so that all can benefit from this agenda?
At our February insight meeting, we’ll be joined by expert speakers to discuss the government’s plans for devolution and public service reform, and what funders from across the sectors might want to be thinking about as this new agenda takes shape.
More details to follow, but for now, you can sign up here.
Please note, this event is open exclusively to London Funders' members. If you would like to become a member, please email our Membership Manager Nasyah at nasyah.bandoh@londonfunders.org.uk