In a dramatic move that could reshape local democracy across Britain, the Labour Party is considering implementing a groundbreaking requirement for every town and city to create bespoke 'Take Back Control' legislation.
Radical Devolution Overhaul
Under these ambitious proposals, every local authority in England would be compelled to draft individualised bills outlining exactly which powers they want transferred from Westminster to their communities. This represents the most significant devolution of power in decades, potentially giving councils unprecedented control over local affairs.
Learning from the Levelling Up Agenda
The revolutionary policy draws inspiration from Michael Gove's Levelling Up agenda but takes it several steps further. While the current government has pursued devolution deals with combined authorities, Labour's plan would make this process mandatory and universal, ensuring no community gets left behind in the power shift.
Shadow Levelling Up Secretary Angela Rayner has been developing these proposals, signalling that Labour is ready to deliver on their promise to spread control beyond Westminster. "We want to see power taken out of Westminster and put in the hands of communities," a party source revealed.
How the New System Would Work
- Every council would be required to create a customised bill specifying desired powers
- Local authorities could request control over transport, housing, skills, and planning
- The process would be mandatory, not optional as under current arrangements
- Communities would gain genuine autonomy over decisions affecting their areas
A Fundamental Shift in Governance
This policy represents more than just administrative changes—it signals a complete rethinking of how Britain is governed. By making devolution universal rather than selective, Labour aims to address the postcode lottery of power distribution that has characterised previous approaches.
The move comes as Labour seeks to redefine what 'levelling up' means in practice, moving beyond the Conservatives' framework to create something more comprehensive and legally binding.
What This Means for Local Communities
If implemented, this policy could see councils gaining real control over issues that directly impact residents' daily lives. From determining local transport priorities to shaping housing development and skills training, communities would have the tools to chart their own course rather than waiting for permission from Whitehall.
This represents the most significant potential shake-up of local government powers in a generation, potentially fulfilling the long-promised but rarely delivered dream of genuine local control that crosses political divides.
