Following the heavily trailed Autumn Statement Conservativehome asked an online panel, which included our Chairman Sir Merrick Cockell, for their thoughts on the Chancellor’s announcements.
There has been broad coverage, both online and in the print media, of the key points such as the sensible, big change on stamp duty as well as a complete review of business rates.
However, as Sir Merrick points out, although there was fantastic news for the regions, with plenty of positive news for the ‘Northern Powerhouse’, the English Question was left unaddressed.
‘If local government is the most efficient, has the highest satisfaction, is the most innovative, why is it not trusted with devolution that is as fair to the people of Plymouth, Stoke and London as it is to those in Cardiff, Perth or Londonderry?’