Greater Manchester’s devolution delight

Sir Richard Leese, vice-chairman of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority

Local authority leaders in Greater Manchester have welcomed the announcement of further devolution for the area during yesterday’s Budget speech by Chancellor George Osborne.

Greater Manchester will pilot a scheme for the approach to 100 per cent business rates retention, which will help them to build financial capacity to reform core services and invest in long-term economic growth from 2017, three years ahead of schedule.

Local authorities in Greater Manchester will be able to retain any growth in business rate income to invest in projects to secure economic growth.

Sir Richard Leese, vice-chairman of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, said: “Devolution is about giving local leaders the power to make decisions that improve their communities. This fourth devolution agreement is an important step along the road. The Government recognises we’ll make better decisions over investment, housing, skills and deliver a stronger economy.”

Greater Manchester will also work with the Government to create a new prison and will have greater involvement in future plans for the local courts. Investment, adult skills and housing are also among other measures detailed in the latest devolution agreement.