Why English Devolution Is Fraught With Difficulty 2026

English devolution is fraught with difficulty, as revealed by a bid manager's experience in the third sector. While devolution promises greater local power and better outcomes, the reality is a complex and inconsistent commissioning landscape that often disadvantages the very organisations it aims to help.

The Promise of English Devolution

Devolution aims to transfer powers from central government to local authorities, enabling decisions to be made closer to communities. For the third sector, this could mean more opportunities to deliver employment and support services, as local organisations with deep community roots are better placed to understand and meet local needs.

The Reality: A Postcode Lottery

However, the implementation of devolution has led to a fragmented system. Different local and combined authorities adopt markedly different approaches to procurement. Some have strong practices, engage constructively with providers, and manage devolved funding well. Others are fragmented, difficult to navigate, and less transparent. This inconsistency creates a postcode lottery for service providers and, ultimately, for the communities they serve.

Key Challenges in Devolved Procurement

• Inconsistent processes: Each authority has its own procurement portals, requirements, and timelines.
• Lack of transparency: Some authorities provide little information about upcoming opportunities or decision criteria.
• Capacity issues: Smaller voluntary and community organisations often lack the resources to navigate multiple systems.
• Contradiction with devolution goals: While devolution aims to engage local suppliers, the complexity favours larger national organisations.

Comparing Procurement Practices Across Authorities

The table below illustrates the differences in procurement practices between two hypothetical combined authorities, highlighting the variability that providers face.

Impact on Smaller Organisations

Smaller voluntary and community organisations, which often have the deepest roots in their communities, are least able to navigate the complex procurement landscape. They may lack dedicated bid writers or the capacity to monitor multiple portals. As a result, they miss out on contracts, and the intended benefit of devolution—empowering local suppliers—is not realised.

Moving Forward: Recommendations

To make English devolution work for all, several steps are needed:

• Standardise procurement processes: A common framework across authorities would reduce complexity.
• Increase transparency: Publish clear timelines, criteria, and feedback.
• Build capacity: Provide support for smaller organisations to bid for contracts.
• Monitor and evaluate: Ensure devolution delivers on its promises.

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