England’s mayors should face greater scrutiny as powers expand, thinktank says
Summary
England plans to give its regional mayors more control over funding and new powers starting from 2027-2028. A thinktank called IPPR North recommends stronger oversight of mayors to ensure they manage the money well and prevent problems like misuse or corruption.Key Facts
- From 2027, mayors will keep business rates and can raise money from a tourist tax.
- From 2028, mayors can keep a share of income tax generated in their regions and borrow for big projects.
- IPPR North suggests mayors keep 5% of income tax, adding about £3.8 billion yearly to their budgets.
- The thinktank wants new audit offices and senior accounting officers to watch mayor spending.
- Bigger regions like London and Greater Manchester need stronger accountability committees.
- Some regional mayor offices are new or still being created, raising concerns about their readiness.
- Plans for these changes will be detailed in a government white paper with the autumn budget on 28 October.
- Andy Burnham, now prime minister, supports shifting power from central government (Whitehall) to regions.
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