2021 Manifesto FINAL DRAFT - Flipbook - Page 14
The Green Party has long
supported devolution and pushed
for more powers to be transferred
from central government to the
regions, but only with proper
democratic structures in place.
Once that is achieved, I will push
for more independence from
Whitehall.
We live in one of the most
centralised countries in the world,
with 93% of taxes collected by
the central government in London.
The West Midlands continues to
be a poor cousin of London and
other areas, having less money
spent per head to run essential
services. This needs to change.
Along with greater financial
independence, we also need to
see more power devolved – for
example, power over rail
franchising. Just as in Scotland
and Wales, the mayor and the
WMCA need a direct say over
health and social care, education
and the criminal justice system as
well as many aspects of
environmental policy, such as
flood protection and energy.
Many of the policies that we want
in practice mean working with
mayors and local government
across the UK to put the case for
more devolved powers and
policies that help the millions of
citizens outside the London area.
Democracy
Real devolution
of real power