England Mayors Need Greater Scrutiny as Powers Expand 2026

England's mayors should face much greater official scrutiny as their powers expand, according to a leading thinktank. IPPR North warns that without robust oversight, the government's devolution agenda could be derailed by a single bad decision. The call comes as ministers prepare to hand regional leaders control over billions of pounds in additional funding.

Devolution Deal: A Transformational Shift

From 2028, mayors will be able to retain a share of income tax generated in their areas, giving them greater scope to borrow for major infrastructure projects. They will also keep business rates from 2027 and gain the ability to raise funds through a "tourist tax." IPPR North has welcomed these "bold and ambitious" plans as a step towards reversing decades of damaging over-centralisation.

The thinktank's 30-page report calls for mayors to retain a 5% share of income tax, which would move an extra £3.8bn a year out of Whitehall and roughly double the funding under their control. This shift represents a significant transfer of power from central government to regional authorities.

Risks of Expanded Powers Without Oversight

However, IPPR North cautions that increasingly powerful mayors must be subject to much tougher oversight. The report warns: "A bad decision or mismanaged funding from any one authority risks turning public opinion against devolution and undoing progress." This concern is particularly acute given the high-profile nature of mayoral roles and the potential for financial mismanagement.

To mitigate these risks, IPPR North proposes establishing new regional audit offices to scrutinise how money is spent and what it delivers. These offices would provide independent oversight and ensure that funds are used effectively. The thinktank argues that such measures are essential to maintain public trust and ensure the success of devolution.

Key Proposals for Scrutiny

• Establish regional audit offices to monitor spending and outcomes.
• Allow mayors to retain 5% of income tax, boosting local funding by £3.8bn annually.
• Implement tougher oversight mechanisms to prevent mismanagement.
• Ensure transparency in how funds are allocated and used.

Comparison of Current and Proposed Powers

The table illustrates the significant expansion of fiscal powers for mayors, alongside the proposed strengthening of oversight. This balanced approach aims to empower regions while safeguarding against potential pitfalls.

Implications for Local Governance

The success of these reforms hinges on striking the right balance between autonomy and accountability. Mayors like Andy Burnham have been at the forefront of devolution, and their ability to deliver will depend on both adequate funding and robust scrutiny. As IPPR North notes, the goal is to avoid a situation where one bad decision undermines the entire devolution project.

With the government set to outline its plans next month, the debate over how best to implement these changes is intensifying. Stakeholders across the political spectrum are weighing in on the need for careful design and implementation.

FAQ

Best Products We’ve Tested and Rated

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of grips, golf simulator under, electric cart hills, turf simulator, and outdoor mats. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of balls, hitting mats, bag mgi zip navigator, bags walking push carts, and hitting strips. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.