Ministers explore how to stop regional leaders misusing planned new spending powers
News Source
β’Sun, 04 Oct 2026 06:00:19 GMT
π° What Happened
UK ministers are working out how to stop England's regional leaders from misusing new spending powers. Whitehall plans to hand more money and revenue to mayors and local councils. Ideas being considered include a new Westminster select committee, tougher reporting rules, and a new audit body for local government.
One idea even suggests that mayors who waste money could be recalled by voters. This is like the way rule-breaking MPs can be voted out. Officials want to make sure local leaders stay accountable for the cash they receive, even between elections.
π The Backstory
The government will publish a white paper on 'rewiring the state' later this month. It will set out plans to give more income tax revenue to regional mayors. Rachel Reeves raised the idea in her Mais lecture earlier this year, and Andy Burnham's government has adopted devolution as a key part of its growth plan.
But officials worry about how to hold local leaders to account. Meg Hillier, who chairs the Treasury select committee, says strong oversight must come with devolution. The debate is about trust as much as money.
π― Why It Matters
Handing more money to local leaders could bring decisions closer to people. But without strong checks, public money could be wasted, and taxpayers would pay the price.
UK ministers are working out how to stop England's regional leaders from misusing new spending powers. Whitehall plans to hand more money and revenue to mayors and local councils. Ideas being considered include a new Westminster select committee, tougher reporting rules, and a new audit body for local government.
One idea even suggests that mayors who waste money could be recalled by voters. This is like the way rule-breaking MPs can be voted out. Officials want to make sure local leaders stay accountable for the cash they receive, even between elections.
The government will publish a white paper on 'rewiring the state' later this month. It will set out plans to give more income tax revenue to regional mayors. Rachel Reeves raised the idea in her Mais lecture earlier this year, and Andy Burnham's government has adopted devolution as a key part of its growth plan.
But officials worry about how to hold local leaders to account. Meg Hillier, who chairs the Treasury select committee, says strong oversight must come with devolution. The debate is about trust as much as money.
Handing more money to local leaders could bring decisions closer to people. But without strong checks, public money could be wasted, and taxpayers would pay the price.