English councils and planning set to be transformed under ambitious devolution plan – an expert explains

By Jack Newman, Research Fellow, School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol

The UK government has outlined its plans for English devolution and local government reform in a landmark white paper. These are some of the most consequential reforms of recent times, signalling a long-term settlement on how England is governed. English devolution bridges two of the government’s biggest challenges: how to make people feel better off and how to rebuild trust in politics.

Unlike the other parts of the UK, where devolution entails a national assembly that passes laws and budgets, devolution in England is about groups of local authorities working together. In recent years,…

Read complete article

~	What’s ahead in politics in 2025: Elections, economic angst and enduring conflict

~	Children of parents not in a romantic relationship are just as happy as those in nuclear families – new research

~	South Korea at a crossroads after president is impeached – here’s what will happen next

~	New stadiums, airports and oil links: the environmental cost of Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup

~	Democracy across the Americas is in crisis

~	What Christmas looked like in the middle ages for one grieving family – from carols to charity and chess

~	Five Christmas story elements that don’t appear in the Bible, from the little donkey to the inn keeper

~	Climate change could overwhelm our sewers – here’s how green infrastructure could help

~	Good sex and relationships education can help teens understand when behaviour is abusive or controlling

~	Alcohol prescribing for severe withdrawal – what the research shows