Mayor welcomes Right to Request as ‘devolution revolution’ delivers for communities

The Mayor of the East Midlands has welcomed Government plans to devolve more power from Westminster to local leaders under the landmark Right to Request scheme.

Regional mayors will be able to shape local services, from protecting homes against flooding to supporting young children with special educational needs, under the new plans to move power out of Westminster.

Under the scheme, mayors can formally request new controls, funding and partnerships from government, which is legally required to respond within six months – putting mayors in the driving seat on devolution.

Communities Secretary Steve Reed rubber-stamped the proposals through the Right to Request scheme ahead of a meeting at the Mayoral Council in York today, attended by regional leaders – including Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward.

Mayor Claire said: “Today’s announcement marks another important step in delivering the promise of devolution – putting decisions closer to the communities they affect and giving local leaders the tools to drive change where it matters most.

“I have been clear that those who know our places best are best placed to shape their future. Through new powers such as the Right to Request, we can play a more direct role in shaping services and opportunities that reflect the needs, strengths and ambitions of communities across the East Midlands.

“The Right to Request gives mayors a new route to bring forward ideas that will make a real difference to local people, helping ensure decisions are shaped by local knowledge and experience, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

“I welcome the Government’s continued commitment to this agenda. By working together, we can improve public services, support economic growth and ensure every community has a stronger voice in the decisions that shape its future.”

Today’s meeting was the first Mayoral Council meeting since the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act became law earlier this year. It was also attended by the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, underscoring the government’s commitment to shift more power into the hands of local leaders.

Right to Request

Mr Reed said: “This government is serious about shifting power out of Westminster and into the hands of our mayors.  

“These agreements mean real change for communities across the country with more local decision-making, better services and a stronger voice for people who know their areas best. That’s what devolution is all about.”

Bespoke agreements announced today include a new approach to youth justice in Greater Manchester, the government supporting the Mayor to use tech to transform public services in Liverpool City Region and reshaping arts funding in the North East to ensure more money is spent on local priorities, in a boost for local leaders and the government’s “devolution revolution”.

Today’s announcements sit alongside the government’s flagship £5.8 billion Pride in Place programme, which is giving communities across the country the power to shape and improve the areas they call home.