Critics warn English devolution plan will be messy, slow and financially risky

Critics contend that the prime minister’s English devolution agenda will be hampered by Whitehall’s cautious stance, leading to fragmented agreements such as the Cornwall deal that lacks a powerful mayor. Housing secretary Angela Rayner’s overhaul, which creates hundreds of unitary authorities, is entangled in judicial reviews, causing councils to worry about how existing debts will be allocated and whether boundary changes are politically driven.

Recent letters from Hertfordshire, Newcastle-under-Lyme and Lincolnshire councils highlight the confusion over decision-making. The timetable - resolving disputes by Christmas and establishing a new map of authorities by next May - appears optimistic given the complexity. Analysts note there is no academic evidence that the structural changes will improve services or generate savings, describing the plan as a superficial reshuffle. They stress that real improvement requires reforms to public-sector culture, union negotiations and greater accountability.