Report

Metromentum: taking strategic authorities from patchwork to powerhouse

This report from UK think tank Reform sets out a practical roadmap for realising the full potential of Strategic Authorities by evolving them to become more decisive, accountable, and capable.

England’s devolution agenda is at a turning point. A new generation of Strategic Authorities is being rolled out across the country. They are intended to drive local economic growth, bring about better public services, and add a strategic capability that will end the current overcentralised system.

But many of these organisations will remain underpowered, under-resourced, and overly constrained by Whitehall. Even under the reforms currently proposed by the Government, the directly-elected Mayors who will lead many Strategic Authorities will lack the capacity and powers to fulfil their mandates. Without deeper reform, the promise of metro mayors will remain unfulfilled.

In Metromentum, Reform sets out a practical roadmap for realising the full potential of Strategic Authorities by evolving them to become more decisive, accountable, and capable. Metromentum argues that Mayors should be directly empowered to respond rapidly to opportunities and visibly deliver on their promises to local voters to rebuild local democratic trust.

It sets out proposals for more accountable regional systems, with localised Public Accounts Committees and Accounting Officers. It also offers ideas for building up the capacity of Strategic Authorities to take on more powers.