For or Against - The Case for Further Devolution report v

6 FOR OR AGAINST? THE CASE FOR FURTHER DEVOLUTION LOST IN TRANSLATION? DECIPHERING DEVOLUTION FOR THE PUBLIC LOST IN TRANSLATION? DECIPHERING DEVOLUTION FOR THE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF ENGLISH DEVOLUTION The system of devolved power in English regions is a In the future, this means that almost half (46%) of patchwork-like structure. [...] The Mayor of Greater Manchester could acquire One way around this could be to implement a specific type the power to raise tax revenue to fund the investment without of ballot measure that exists in many states in the US: bond needing any major alterations to the UK tax and government referendums. [...] With funding for the levy not ringfenced, and therefore to more effective and efficient use of resources and provide set at the Treasury's discretion, would increased devolution opportunities for employers to influence the training and skills in England's apprenticeship and skills policy mean decision- development their employees receive. [...] making powers around the levy being devolved to the regional level too, rather than remaining with the Treasury? This is a One of the primary goals of devolution is to reduce skills question that the Government and devolved administrations shortages by tailoring programs to the specific needs of local would need to consider in the event of further devolution businesses. [...] Although evidence Despite the potential benefits of devolution, the long-term is currently scant, the view is that it could lead to a more skilled impact of skills devolution in England is yet to be fully workforce, which has the potential to increase productivity and realised.