06.05.25

Britain’s manufacturers are calling on the Government to use its English Devolution White Paper to deliver meaningful devolution across England, giving priority to skills and training, transport, housing and infrastructure with local targeted funding based on business needs.

This is according to Make UK’s latest report Local Levers, National Growth: Powering Manufacturing Through Devolution which also reveals a lack of awareness among some businesses of the level of devolution in their area.

Only 40% of England’s manufacturers are aware they operate (or their business is) in a mayoral area, and just over a quarter do not know whether they’re in a mayoral area or not. While just 10% feel that their business needs are being met by their local mayor.

However, almost half see their devolved authority as the best vehicle to deal with business-critical issues like transport and training and skills delivery. Those companies already operating in mayoral devolved authorities are also more enthusiastic about the benefits of having a mayor.

Make UK welcomes the Labour Government’s focus on regional growth and handing down of additional powers to local areas, though we are calling for stronger local leadership, clearer growth plans, and bold next steps – including fiscal devolution – to help unlock regional prosperity.

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