Morning, Monday, 17th November 2025
Online
This conference will consider the future direction of devolution policy, strategic planning, and regional economic growth in the North of England. Delegates will examine issues affecting local government and key sectors such as manufacturing, energy and infrastructure, as well as investors, communities and environmental interest groups and trade unions.
It will bring together stakeholders and policymakers to discuss priorities for the North of England in the context of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill and its implementation. Areas for discussion include how businesses work with combined authorities, and securing fair funding and skills investment. Input into long-term spatial plans for housing, infrastructure, land use, and growth will also be assessed - as well as frameworks for joint working between local government, arms-length bodies, developers, and communities to align housing development, transport upgrades, and infrastructure planning with investment zones.
It comes as combined authorities prepare to take on new responsibilities outlined in the English Devolution White Paper, and as the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill continues its passage through Parliament. It will also be an opportunity to consider priorities for cross-regional collaboration and alignment, with the establishment of the Great North partnership between Northern mayors. Discussion will look at how far collaboration across the North can balance competition between regions for investment and influence.
The agenda includes a focus on the role of Industrial Strategy Zones and devolved Local Growth Plans in driving regional innovation and investment, alongside regional transport settlements and proposals for Northern Powerhouse Rail.
Delegates will assess implications of devolution for planning, infrastructure, housing, and skills, as well as for the evolving role of combined authorities in strategic decision-making, commissioning, and budget control. Attendees will consider priorities for Strategic Authorities, with the Bill proposing to formalise their role and establish statutory frameworks for devolved powers. Those attending will look at whether combined authorities have the financial, staffing, and institutional capacity to deliver on these expanded roles, and how authorities can be supported effectively.
Next steps for established mayoral authorities will be discussed, including how mechanisms - such as the right to request and pilot powers - could shape the next phase of devolution.
We expect discussion to draw on the Government’s fast-tracking of six additional areas - including Cumbria and Cheshire - under the Devolution Priority Programme, assessing progress in navigating local government reorganisation and finance reform, and how the establishment of unitary authorities can streamline service provision value for money.
Overview of areas for discussion
- devolution, spatial planning and collaboration:
- the evolving role of combined authorities in decision-making, commissioning, and budget control - financial, staffing, and institutional capacity of combined authorities in expanded roles
- local government reorganisation and finance reform, including progress in Cumbria, Cheshire and other fast-tracked areas under the Devolution Priority Programme
- impact of mechanisms, such as right to request and pilot powers on the next phase - impact of new governance arrangements, including Local Audit Office and Great North partnership
- strategic planning and infrastructure delivery:
- implementation of measures in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill
- priorities for Spatial Development Strategies in unlocking land, coordinating infrastructure, and supporting long-term housing delivery
- partnerships with Homes England and National Infrastructure Service Transformation Authority
- growth, productivity and supporting key industries:
- coordination with the Government’s Industrial Strategy and 2025 Spending Review - best practice approaches for supporting productivity and innovation
- priorities for the 2025 Autumn Budget - growth in economic clusters and Industrial Strategy Zones, including Freeports and Investment Zones
- workforce development:
- addressing skills gaps and productivity concerns - supporting post-16 and 18 skills development - aligning devolved skills funding and commissioning with local priorities
- funding and investment:
- support packages for priority sectors and R&D - implications of Green Book reforms for future investment appraisal - attracting and structuring private investment
- transport and connectivity:
- impact of Transport for City Regions settlement - next steps for Northern Powerhouse Rail
- coordination with Great British Railways and integration with national frameworks - priorities for local service improvements and implications of the Bus Services Bill
- institutional structures and collaboration:
- shared delivery models across combined authorities - implications for accountability and capacity
All delegates will be able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. As well as key stakeholders, those already due to attend include representatives from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government; Department for Science, Innovation and Technology; Department for Transport; Department for Business and Trade; House of Commons Library; and National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority.
