Member Article

North East backs devolution but scrutinises Northern Powerhouse delivery

Widespread public support exists in the North East for the devolution of powers to the Northern Powerhouse, according to a collaborative report from Ipsos MORI, the New Local Government Network (NLGN) and PwC.

However, despite their knowledge and enthusiasm for the process, people living in the region are less certain that the ambitions for a Northern Powerhouse will ultimately be delivered.

The survey published today [Friday 30 October 2015], says that people living within the Northern Powerhouse boundaries have a much higher level of awareness of decentralisation than the rest of England. In the North East 25% of the people surveyed know a great deal or fair amount about decentralisation - the second highest of the English regions after Yorkshire & Humberside (27%).

And nearly half (46%) back plans to devolve more decision-making powers around areas like transport, economic development and housing.

However, the region’s support for increased local decision-making does not translate to similar levels of confidence in the ambitions of the Northern Powerhouse initiative, with only 17% of those living in the region optimistic that it can achieve its aims. This is the lowest of all the UK regions.

In addition, the survey says that a third (34%) of the public living in the North are ambivalent towards the goals of the Northern Powerhouse - neither optimistic nor pessimistic that its aims will be achieved. When combined with those who are pessimistic that its aims can be achieved, the majority of Northern residents remain unconvinced.

Jonathan House, partner and PwC’s Local Government leader in the North, said:

“It’s not surprising that awareness and support for decentralisation is highest in the North, where the debate has been strongly led, clearly articulated and evidence based.

“But these results show there is still work to do around communicating what decentralisation and the Northern Powerhouse means for Northern citizens, as there is considerable apathy and scepticism around the initiative.

“The debate will intensify as the focus moves from strategy and planning, to making hard choices on economic growth, investment and the implementation of redesigned local services.

“There will be difficult decisions ahead and councils need to engage the public in an honest discussion about the future shape of public services.”

The public’s support in the North East for local decision-making is driven by a belief it will allow local councils and other local agencies to be more flexible in responding to changing local demand (59%) and that local politicians know better than national politicians what is best for the local area (63%).

Residents in the region also believe that decisions should be made by local politicians, who they perceive to be more accountable to local people. The key concern for those who oppose decentralisation is the spectre of the postcode lottery - with 65% in the North East perceiving a risk that service levels might vary between areas as a result.