Autumn Budget 2026: SIGOMA's response

Posted on October 28, 2026

Responding to the Autumn Budget, our Chair, Mayor Chris Cooke, welcomes the fiscal devolution roadmap and the Government's move towards 100% local business rates retention. However, he warns that greater fiscal autonomy must be matched by fair equalisation and must benefit councils as well as mayors:

“The Chancellor's new roadmap for fiscal devolution, including moving towards 100% of Business Rates being retained locally, is a significant and welcome step in the right direction. Giving places a stronger stake in the proceeds of local growth should help councils plan for the long term, unlock investment, and create jobs and opportunities for local communities.

“However, greater fiscal freedom must recognise that different parts of the country are starting from very different positions. Many SIGOMA councils have weaker Business Rates bases alongside higher levels of deprivation and service demand. The move towards greater local retention is positive, but it must be accompanied by strong and fair equalisation so that no area is disadvantaged.

“The detail of the Government's proposals will now be crucial. As the transition to 100% retention is developed, ministers must ensure that communities with the greatest need receive the resources they require and that councils with weaker tax bases are not disadvantaged through a reduction in grant funding.

“Government must also ensure that the benefits of fiscal devolution reach councils as well as mayors, and councils must be central partners in decisions about growth, investment, and regeneration."