City council leader welcomes devolution White Paper

Lorna Fielker said proposals put forward in a new White Paper amounted to the biggest and most important revamp of local government ever tabled.

The massive shake-up includes plans to abolish borough and district councils and create combined strategic authorities in their place.

An increase in the number of elected regional mayors is also under discussion.

Ministers say the proposed new system will give regions a bigger voice, unlock economic growth, and help secure the provision of 1.5m new homes across England.

Lorna Fielker, leader of Southampton City Council, has welcomed the new White Paper on devolution (Image: Supplied)

According to the city council, devolution offers a "unique opportunity" for key decisions affecting Southampton to be taken closer to home.

READ MORE: Labour Deputy Leader Angela Rayner says devolution will be 'default setting' for local government

Cllr Fielker said: "This White Paper represents the most significant and important change to local government there has ever been. 

"Moving decision-making and funding away from central government into the hands of local people is something I have been pushing for since I took office.

“I am incredibly excited about what the future now holds.  

"I believe securing devolved power will support Southampton’s priorities as a city: delivering additional opportunities for economic growth, supporting us to achieve our net zero target and reducing economic inequality across our city. " 

Labour Deputy Leader Angela Rayner has unveiled plans to give local government a massive shake-up (Image: PA)  Cllr Fielker continued: "Southampton is a city of opportunity with enormous potential.

“We are at a critical point where we must grow our economy and address our social, health and environmental challenges.

“Our goal is to co-create a place that meets the needs of our diverse communities as well as attract people and organisations to live, visit, study, work, and invest in Southampton. Devolution will be key to supporting these ambitions.  

"We should not underestimate just how significant devolution for this area can be.

"I will be continuing my work with the government and other local leaders to ensure we agree structures we need for the people and businesses of Southampton and the wider area. 

"I look forward to continuing to work with our partners at Portsmouth City Council, Isle of Wight, and Hampshire County Council to make sure devolution delivers the best possible outcomes for our area."

READ MORE: Devolution plan spars fears that powers could be taken away from local communities

The White Paper was published by Labour Deputy Leader Angela Rayner, who is also the Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary.

Ms Rayner has promised to make devolution the "default setting" under the plans.

No 10 said the proposed changes were about "giving power from Westminster to local leaders" as well as tackling the "waste" created by multiple layers of government.