Citizens trust local government most to make decisions about localservices but they know little or nothing about the Government’s decentralisation plans according to a report out today
The collaborative study published  by Ipsos MORI, the New Local Government Network (NLGN) and PwC found that despite featuring high on the Westminster agenda – with several proposals under consideration and the Chancellor’s promise at Conservative Party conference of a “devolution revolution” – this is still a relatively unknown concept to the public. 

Over three-quarters (76%) either know a ‘little’ or ‘nothing’ about proposals to transfer decision making powers from Whitehall to local areas across England.

While doubte remain about the potential of the Northern Powerhouse to achieve its goals and Introducing elected mayors makes little difference in the eyes of the public.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the study finds that people in the North of England who fall within the catchment of the so-called Northern Powerhouse, have a much higher level of awareness of devolution than throughout the rest of England. They are also the most supportive of the decentralisation process, with over half (53%) backing plans to devolve more decision-making powers around areas like transport, economic development and housing.

However, the research shows that there is still some headway needed to make those in the North more aware of the proposals for devolution. And whilst there is greater support for the principle of devolution, this has not yet translated into confidence in the ambitions of the Northern Powerhouse initiative, with only a quarter of those living in the region optimistic that it can achieve its aims.

The survey also shows that a further third (34%) of the public living in the North are ambivalent towards the Northern Powerhouse – neither optimistic nor pessimistic that its aims will be achieved, which when combined with those who are pessimistic (that its aims can be achieved), reflects a majority who remain unconvinced.

Looking to the Government’s proposals for including elected mayors in the decentralisation process, nearly half (45%) of respondents agreed that having a mayor had had a positive impact on London; however, the involvement of an elected Mayor does not make a great deal of difference to whether people support the principle of decentralising powers.

When asked, only 19% said an elected Mayor would make them more supportive of devolution, while 15% said that having an elected mayor would make them less so.

  

 

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