What is devolution

Devolution is a way of transferring powers which currently sit with national government to local government. It is important because it ensures that decisions are made closer to the local people, communities and businesses they affect.

The government is keen to do this through establishing Strategic Authorities in areas that don’t currently have one. These Strategic Authorities, which are mostly led by directly elected mayors, will be responsible for issues including:

• Housing
• Highways and transport
• Economic growth
• Skills and employment support
• Environment and climate change
• Health
• Public safety

For Gloucestershire, devolution would see the creation of a new Strategic Authority, made up of Gloucestershire and other neighbouring areas such as West of England (Bristol, Bath and South Gloucestershire) or Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and the authority would be led by a directly elected mayor.