Economic Affairs Committee

30 June 2026

Economic Affairs Committee Actual start House of Lords

29:50 - 31:04
Speaker 1
Well, welcome to the Lords Economic Affairs Committee's fifth evidence session of our inquiry into the hot topic of fiscal devolution in England.  And we're delighted to have two experts with us: Dr. Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive of the Local Government Information Unit, and Thomas Pope, Chief Economist at the Institute for Government.  We're very, very grateful for your time.  Thank you so much for coming.  This is being broadcast on Parliament Live TV and a full transcript will be taken so that we can share it with you after the meeting to make any factual corrections. 

Can I start by asking you a general question about the case for devolution? 

Obviously we're an Economic Affairs Committee, but there are contending rationales for significant devolution.  Do you think that questions of enhancing democracy, enhancing the power of local politicians is a good enough argument for devolution irrespective of the case for it positively affecting economic growth and economic outcomes, or do you not think that?  Jonathan, maybe you could start with that. 
31:04 - 31:06
Speaker 3
Short answer, yes. 

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