Devolution – what it means for Herefordshire
In England, devolution is the transfer of powers and funding from national to local government. This enables decisions to be made closer to the local people, communities and businesses they affect.
Over the last 10 years, the UK Government has taken steps towards the transfer of power from central government to local authorities and combined authorities in England through a series of 'devolution deals'.
A devolution deal is the agreement between the government and local areas on the powers to be devolved and the arrangements that need to be in place for devolution to take place.
In summer 2024, all English councils not already part of a devolution deal were invited to "partner with the government on a new programme of devolution in England".
What devolution looks like - combined authorities
Devolution does not change the boundaries of local authorities.
Councils that choose to formally work together can form new administrative areas known as combined authorities. These are partnerships between local authorities. Devolution does not mean the merging of councils into one new organisation.
The creation of a combined authority means that member councils can be more ambitious in their joint working and can take advantage of powers and resources devolved to them from national government. Decisions over things like where funding for training should be spent or what should be the priorities for economic development are taken by the combined authority rather than by ministers and civil servants in London.
Combined authorities:
- Vary in size and composition across England
- Are often formed on the basis of shared objectives, for example improvements to infrastructure or economic growth
- May or may not be chaired by a directly elected mayor. The government gives more powers to combined authorities chaired by a directly elected mayor than to other combined authorities.
Read more about combined authorities and details of the ten combined authorities already in place.
What devolution would mean for Herefordshire
Devolution has the potential to ensure Herefordshire benefits from any additional government funding that may be available, and would give local leaders more powers to roll out local development and growth plans.
We will look to areas that would help achieve our ambitions for Herefordshire, as set out in the Council Plan. In particular devolution should give us opportunities to strengthen the economy, infrastructure, housing and skills.
What devolution will look like in Herefordshire
No decisions have yet been made.
Along with all other councils not currently part of a combined authority, Herefordshire Council was asked to submit an expression of interest in working with the government on a devolution deal.
Following discussion with local political leaders, the following expression of interest was submitted:
- Preferred geography - Our preference is for devolution at a single county level. However, we are open to explore what it means for Herefordshire to work with our neighbours, subject to further information and details about the devolution framework and future timescales
- Initial preference on mayoral / non-mayoral devolution - Non-mayoral devolution
Progression to any further stages of devolution in Herefordshire will be subject to the appropriate approval by councillors.
Timeframe for a decision on devolution
We are currently waiting for the publication of the White Paper which will set out the new devolution framework.
- Local devolution deal proposal submitted to government – Summer 2025
- Consultation of proposal – Autumn / Winter 2025
- Government approval of devolution deal – Spring 2026
How the final decision will be made
We must carefully consider all devolution opportunities and options, to ensure that Herefordshire isn't left behind or is the subject of a government-arranged devolution deal.
Our starting position is that any devolution deal must be in line with our vision of 'Deliver the best for Herefordshire in everything we do'. We have clear ambitions to deliver the infrastructure the county needs, and we are well placed to work with others to set the framework for a devolution deal that supports this.
Any new devolution deal will be subject to local and parliamentary approval.
There will be consultation with local people, decisions will be made at Council meetings which are held in public, and we will provide further information on this page.
Devolution and the Marches Forward Partnership
As devolution only applies to councils in England, it is not possible for the four councils of the Marches Forward Partnership (Herefordshire, Shropshire, Powys and Monmouthshire) to come together under a devolution deal.
The Marches Forward Partnership remains committed to cross-border working to attract investment to benefit the Marches area.