Rayner to promise ‘devolution by default’ in speech to local leaders

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Angela Rayner will promise to make devolution the “default setting” for councils across the country after senior Government figures warned they could overrule local authorities’ objections to push through key building plans. The Government’s devolution White Paper will be published on Monday, which Ms Rayner has said will ensure regional powers are “no longer agreed at the whim of a minister in Whitehall”. Ms Rayner’s Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said Labour’s devolution policy will allow regional leaders to “guide” development projects “across areas, housing, transport and skills”. Ms Rayner, who is also Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary, will promise the White Paper, which will set out devolution policy in greater detail, will be a “turning point.” Devolution will no longer be agreed at the whim of a minister in Whitehall, but embedded in the fabric of the country, becoming the default position of Government Angela Rayner “Our English Devolution White Paper will be a turning point when we finally see communities, people and places across England begin to take back control over the things that matter to them,” she is expected to tell mayors, local government and business leaders.