Devolution and climate action are increasingly interconnected as local authorities take the lead in deploying circular infrastructure, resilient energy systems, and regionally tailored sustainability strategies.

Public sector governance across England is transforming due to devolution, which involves the transfer of powers and funding from the central government to local and regional authorities. “Muscular localism,” as coined by Eric Pickles through the Localism Act 2011, began this journey by giving local authorities more responsibility and additional powers; however, the central government still ultimately held the reins, both financially and in decision-making.

The Conservative government announced “trailblazer deeper devolution deals” in its Spring Budget 2023. However, just eight months into the new Labour government, we have a White Paper and multiple announcements on the implementation of Integrated Settlements. Two existing Mayoral Combined Authorities (Greater Manchester and West Midlands) – soon to be known simply as “strategic authorities” – will receive an Integrated Settlement from April 2025, with the North East, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, and Liverpool City Region being eligible from 2026. Earlier this month, the government announced an additional six areas that will be brought into the devolution programme in later phases. 

These strategic authorities will receive funding in a consolidated, flexible pot, boosting local autonomy. From skills and employment to housing, regeneration, and transport, these areas will have genuine power and flexibility in how to invest, and in doing so, can achieve greater efficiencies and a more significant impact in addressing regional priorities. 

Firstly, each new strategic authority must set its direction. When central government steps back, so too does the national direction. It is crucial to define your strategic focus and ensure that your population understands and supports your vision. Effective communication between local authorities is vital, and this will occur most efficiently where collaboration already occurs naturally across key issues, such as housing delivery, energy transition, and transportation. 

Secondly, local authorities must justify their decisions and accept trade-offs. With more power to choose where to focus funds, difficult trade-offs will ultimately need to be made. After setting the vision and objectives, determine how to deploy money with this newly acquired autonomy. What will you invest in first? Working with partners to implement decision-support tools and build an evidence base can help inform informed investment decisions. These tools can quantify costs, identify suitable areas for new housing, and justify the necessary trade-offs between competing priorities. 

Once priorities are set and decisions justified, the focus must shift to action. This is an opportunity for regional leaders to demonstrate the benefits of localised decision-making. Strategic investments in key areas can drive meaningful change, enhancing the quality of life for local communities. 

Lastly, it’s essential for you to look over and refine your tactics regularly. Implementing new powers and funding streams is complex, and things won’t go as planned the first time. Transparency, open communication, and a willingness to identify areas for improvement are crucial. Regular reviews and refinements will help capitalize on this golden opportunity. As noted in the White Paper, strategic authorities will be able to propose additional functions or pilot new approaches locally to drive innovation. Evaluating processes helps understand successes and areas for improvement. 

Strategic authorities are the correct scale of governance to address local issues while maintaining a broad enough perspective to make impactful decisions. Devolution grants regional powers the ability to implement more tailored policies, with outcomes that can be seen both regionally and nationally. We see plenty of opportunities for areas to accelerate progress.  

However, devolution is complex, and the next tranche of strategic authorities must implement the right plans and tools in advance to maximize this opportunity. By setting a clear direction, justifying decisions, delivering effectively, and learning from experience, strategic authorities can make the most of this transformative period. 

At Klean Industries, we support our clients in preparing for and maximizing the benefits of new devolution powers across the nation. To learn more about our advisory services and how we can help your approach to devolution.

Devolution Is the Future of Climate Action — Let’s Make It Work for Everyone

With greater local control comes the power to shape sustainable futures. Regional governments can now lead with circular infrastructure, decentralized clean energy, and scalable low-carbon solutions.

Klean Industries Is Your Local-Global Climate Partner:

✅ Customizable modular pyrolysis, hydrogen & waste recovery systems
✅ Regionally tailored ESG tools via KleanLoop™
✅ Infrastructure aligned with devolution policy frameworks
✅ Proven expertise in municipal and subnational project development

Contact Klean Industries to drive climate-positive change through regional leadership and circular innovation » GO.