LGA responds to Welsh devolution announcement

4 Nov 2013 12:18 PM

Responding to the Government's announcement today of plans for further devolution of powers to Wales, Sir Merrick Cockell, Chairman of the Local Government Association, said:

"Local government leaders in England will be thinking we want some of what they're having. A lot of places in England have distinct economic and cultural identities as strong as those in Wales and a shift in power away from Whitehall would help them deliver more jobs, faster economic growth and better public services.

"This has huge implications for English communities on the borders of Wales, which now face the prospect of an unfair, two-speed tax regime and an uphill battle to retain and attract businesses and jobs. English regions are in danger of becoming the poor cousins in the union as devolution hands Scotland and Wales an unfair competitive advantage.

"In taking steps to devolve more powers to Wales, the Government has clearly recognised the economic, administrative and cultural benefits of shifting power out of Whitehall and handing it to local communities. This is a policy which shouldn't stop at the borders but spread out across the UK."

Contact

Dale Atkinson, Senior Media Relations Officer
Local Government Association
Telephone: 020 7664 3283
Email: dale.atkinson@local.gov.uk

Local Government House, Smith Square, London SW1P 3HZ