English Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation: A Blue Opportunity!
As Chair of the Ocean Council, I find myself reflecting on the tremendous potential of the recent White Paper on English devolution, particularly in terms of its impact on coastal communities and their role within the broader climate strategy. Published on December 16th, 2024, this document lays the groundwork for a new chapter in local government. With at least 17 councils expressing interest in the English devolution fast-track programme and all two-tier authorities having to consider local government reorganisation, there are plenty of challenges and opportunities ahead of us.
Having read the White Paper and listened to my Council's discussions regarding Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), I must say this is only the beginning of our journey. Many, including myself, have reservations about the pace of LGR and the Labour Government's desire to complete this before the end of their first term! The complexities inherent in the situation, and the implications of postponing elections. However, I am always one to look at opportunities, so I wish to lay out the blue opportunity! The possibilities to the health of our oceans, rivers, and blue economy.
Coastal areas, rich in biodiversity and economic potential, have historically borne the brunt of climate change, yet they also hold the keys to innovative solutions and a sustainable future. The three prongs of the government's proposed devolution framework—establishing an elected mayor in combined authorities, undertaking local government reorganisation, and the conclusion of the formation of strategic authorities—open avenues for tailored approaches to local challenges. Yet, beneath the promising surface lie questions and challenges we must heed to maximise effectiveness for our beloved oceans and the communities that thrive upon them.
One of the most compelling aspects of this White Paper is the emphasis on devolved powers to local authorities, especially in the context of environmental management. With an elected Mayor at the helm, coastal regions could prioritise local growth plans that incorporate climate resilience directly into their developmental agendas. Empowered by the new frameworks, coastal councils will be in a prime position to adopt strategic measures for improving water quality and nurturing the green and blue economy (e.g., sustainable fisheries, marine tourism, renewable energy) that can be the catalyst for job creation.
The new governance structures propose funding and resources previously locked at central levels. With local control, our coastal communities could harness flexible allocations to develop projects that resonate with local needs, such as enhancing marine conservation efforts, improving fishing practices, and restoring habitats that play critical roles in combating climate impacts.
Consider the benefits of localised capacity-building. The inclusion of powers for local authorities to manage renewable energy initiatives is not merely about meeting national targets; it’s about integrating those solutions into community-level frameworks. Additionally, a strategic approach to regional flood prevention, integrating flood defences and resilience measures into local planning, is critical for protecting both our coastal infrastructure and communities from the increasing threat of flooding due to climate change.
However, as we advocate for devolved powers, we must remain vigilant regarding the challenges that could accompany this transition. The stark inequalities between urban and rural coastal communities are not mere numbers; they represent real people with real needs. For instance, while vibrant urban centres may find it easier to attract green investments, smaller, more isolated coastal towns risk falling further behind, exacerbating existing socioeconomic disparities.
The health of our oceans is intrinsically linked to local livelihoods and the physical and mental well-being of residents. As the White Paper empowers councils to take responsibility for Local Nature Recovery Strategies, it becomes vital that this responsibility centres on marine environments as much as terrestrial ones. Studies have shown that healthy marine ecosystems improve local water quality and support the fishing industry, which in many communities is a lifeblood.
Our commitment to marine conservation must also feature prominently in discussions around devolution and local governance. Is it possible to set an ambitious target for local authorities to collaborate on marine preservation and to establish clear metrics that align with the broader climate strategy? Without this commitment, the implementation of local powers could become disjointed, undermining the very objectives we seek to achieve.
Evolving Toward a Strategic Future and Conclusion; As the Conservative Friends of the Ocean, our call to action is clear. Let us work together to pursue the promises of the White Paper fully and create a sustainable future for our coastal regions and oceans. By championing local empowerment, fighting against inequalities, and ensuring that environmental health is at the forefront of our initiatives, we can set a precedent for how communities can lead the charge toward a more resilient and inclusive economy. In this endeavour, every voice matters, and every action counts.
With the new local governance structures about to take shape, we can no longer afford a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to climate action. Each region, especially our coastal communities, faces unique challenges and must be equipped to address them strategically. While national action is essential for establishing a framework, true progress will stem from localised initiatives tailored to the specific characteristics of our region.
In this spirit, we should encourage our government leaders to thoughtfully embrace the importance of partnerships—between local councils, political parties, businesses, and civil society—that share our vision for a sustainable ocean agenda. How do we ensure that our local authorities are sufficiently resourced and empowered to implement the reforms outlined in the White Paper? Are there mechanisms to facilitate knowledge sharing between regions to help us learn from one another's successes and failures?
The journey begins with the right questions and the commitment to work collaboratively, building a future where our oceans, our communities, and our economy thrive in harmony.
