Time for Devolution for the North - Part 1

How Devolution of the North can help level up the rural areas of the North along with the urban areas of the North.

The North of England has a diverse range of communities, from large urban areas to smaller, rural towns and villages. For too long, rural areas have been left behind when it comes to investment and infrastructure, with the focus often being on larger urban areas. However, the devolution of powers to the North of England has the potential to level up both urban and rural areas, creating a more equitable society.

The establishment of a Northern Assembly with devolved powers will enable people in the North of England to make decisions about their own future, taking advantage of the opportunities available to the region and improving the lives of people living in the area. This will not only benefit the larger urban areas, but also the smaller, rural towns and villages.

The devolution of powers to the North of England can help to create a more level playing field for rural areas, by enabling the Northern Assembly to make decisions that reflect the unique needs and aspirations of rural communities. This could include investment in infrastructure, such as roads and public transport, and support for local businesses to create jobs and boost the local economy.

In addition, the Northern Assembly can also help to address some of the challenges facing rural communities, such as access to healthcare and education. By having the power to make decisions about health and social care and education, the Northern Assembly can ensure that these services are tailored to the needs of rural communities, rather than being designed for urban areas.

Furthermore, the devolution of powers to the North of England can help to bridge the gap between urban and rural areas. By enabling the Northern Assembly to make decisions about infrastructure and economic development across the entire region, the Assembly can ensure that both urban and rural areas benefit from investment and development.

The devolution of powers to the North of England is not just about empowering people in the region, it is about creating a more equitable society, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. By levelling up both urban and rural areas, we can create a stronger, more resilient North of England, where everyone can achieve their full potential.

In conclusion, the devolution of powers to the North of England has the potential to benefit both urban and rural areas, creating a more equitable society and levelling up the entire region. By enabling the Northern Assembly to make decisions about infrastructure, economic development, healthcare, and education, we can ensure that both urban and rural areas benefit from investment and development, and that everyone in the North of England has the opportunity to thrive.

Part 2 of this look at devolution for the North will outline how government can enable devolution for the North along with the creation of a northern assembly and a draft template legislation that could be enacted to create devolution for the North in the current parliament. 

Part 2 can be found at https://blog.disruptordavies.com/posts/time-for-devolution-for-the-north-part-2