SIGOMA welcomes devolution announcement, urging funding to match ambition

Posted on August 03, 2026

Following the Government's announcement on devolution, our Chair, Mayor Chris Cooke has welcomed the commitment to extra powers for local government, whilst warning that powers must be backed by sufficient funding:

“Last week’s announcement is a statement of intent from the new Prime Minister to give local leaders greater power. It is welcome recognition that those closest to local challenges are often best placed to deliver local solutions.

“The direction of travel is very encouraging. However, devolution cannot simply be about transferring responsibilities to mayors: local authorities must also be empowered, supported by sustainable funding, genuine local flexibility, and a commitment to tackle the historic inequalities between different parts of the country.

“We welcome the commitment to a programme of reform to support the financial sustainability of local authorities. Crucially, devolution and local empowerment will only succeed alongside a fair, stable, and sustainable system of local government finance.

“Proposals to strengthen local Business Rates retention are a significant step forward; however, greater retention must go hand-in-hand with stronger redistribution and equalisation arrangements to ensure that areas with weaker local tax bases are not disadvantaged, and with a funding system which recognises deprivation and need as fundamental drivers of demand.

“The challenge now is ensuring that the powers announced today are matched by the resources and funding reforms needed to turn that ambition into lasting change for the communities SIGOMA represents.”