How we're helping mayors to deliver growth in their regions
The mayoral elections taking place in May 2025 mark a momentous time for English devolution following the publication of the English Devolution White Paper in December 2024 - and subsequent Bill expected to be presented to Parliament this year.
New combined authorities for 2025 and the Local Growth Plans strategy
The government's policy of "devolution by default" aims to both widen and deepen devolution across England. And the UK Mayors Group is set to expand to encompass two new combined authorities with the addition of Greater Lincolnshire and Hull & East Yorkshire - widening the number of regions covered by a devolution deal and increasing the number of directly-elected mayors to fourteen.
Mayors are now significant actors on the domestic policy stage. With a strong personal mandate, they each provide a powerful and influential voice, bringing a strategic regional view to crucial policy decisions on areas such as transport, housing, education, strategic planning, and infrastructure. All of which are crucial to business.
Local Growth Plans that set out a 10-year strategy will provide a powerful tool with which to use devolved powers to drive growth across the region. Aligned with the government's industrial strategy, these Plans will help provide a narrative and clear vision with which business can invest with greater certainty.
The crucial role played by mayors and their priorities
Across England, mayors are increasingly recognised for their crucial role in driving regional attractiveness for inward investment and fostering business opportunities, both domestically and internationally. This was highlighted in the Harrington Review into Foreign Direct Investment, which emphasised the need for collaboration rather than competition among mayors to achieve shared economic growth.
A priority for a new mayor must also be to enhance national and international visibility and influence. By doing so, they can attract investment, foster global partnerships, and ensure their region plays an integral part in the overall success of the UK economy.
Making our members' voice heard across the regions
The CBI has been a long-standing supporter of devolution and of directly elected mayors; we have seen how they can be strong advocates for their region with convening power to make things happen. They act as ambassadors for their regions both nationally and internationally, and importantly, provide the governance and accountability Whitehall needs to devolve powers and funding.
UK Mayors Group working in collaboration
Mayoral collaboration on key policy areas, such as skills development and transport are crucial for fostering seamless business operations across England. By working together, mayors can ensure that regional strategies are aligned, resources are efficiently utilised, and best practices are shared. This collaborative approach not only enhances the overall economic landscape but also ensures that businesses have access to a skilled workforce, driving innovation and growth.
The CBI is committed to working in partnership with the UK Mayors Group on an agreed set of priorities aimed towards:
- Kickstarting growth
- Boosting productivity
- Accelerating to net zero.
These manifestos set out how we can collectively achieve these goals.