The next step in devolution should be sub-regional boards based around large English cities led by elected mayors, ...
The next step in devolution should be sub-regional boards based around large English cities led by elected mayors, the New Local Government Network has suggested.
He said: 'Nobody advocates or is seriously hoping for a law-making capacity but what there is is a functional deficit issue between local and central government.'
It argues there is no demand for full-scale regional devolution along the lines of Scotland and Wales, while its own ideas could be implemented without primary legislation.
NLGN executive director John Williams said such boards could cover around 38% of the English population, including most of the country's most deprived areas. The boards would lend democratic legitimacy to areas such as economic development, transport, planning and culture because they would include the city mayor as well as elected members from each of the neighbouring boroughs.
Mr Williams suggested chairs of health authorities and Learning and Skills Councils could also serve on the boards, as well as chief constables and business and voluntary sector leaders.
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