Responding to a Guardian editorial on English devolution, readers have raised concerns about the implementation and potential pitfalls of such reforms.
Tees Valley: a cautionary tale
Scott Hunter, editor of the Tees Valley Monitor, argues that devolution has not delivered benefits in his region. Despite having a devolved authority for 10 years, Tees Valley still faces chronic underinvestment, lack of economic growth, and depopulation. The authority was issued a best value notice in April 2025, with little to show for it.
Hunter highlights a key weakness: the mayor is the sole elected person in the authority, with council leaders forming the cabinet in addition to their day jobs. Public awareness is low, as the only combined authority news in the local press comes from its own press releases. Many on Teesside believe there has been a jobs bonanza, but the political weakness within the authority remains unaddressed.
Constitutional reform needed
John Hall from the Alliance for Yorkshire argues that Andy Burnham's intervention points to a deeper constitutional problem. England's devolution is inferior to the statutory settlements enjoyed by Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, as regions remain dependent on piecemeal deals with central government.
Hall praises Burnham's admiration for Germany's Basic Law, which defines federal-state relations and commits to equivalent living conditions. England lacks such a settlement, leaving power concentrated in Westminster. Constitutional reform must go beyond metro mayors and selected powers, requiring a coherent framework that disperses power by right.
Devolution for all or not at all
Richard Dowling from Leighton Buzzard argues that real devolution means power sometimes being used for purposes some would not approve of. He criticizes the editorial for supporting devolution only for approved purposes, such as transport and skills, not tax giveaways.
Miland Joshi from Birmingham counters that written constitutions do not guarantee equality, citing the US and South Africa. He suggests a brief constitution focusing on principles, and proposes a rotating citizens' jury in the Lords for complex issues, with primary power remaining in the Commons.
