The UK’s local governance landscape is changing—and fast. Today, the Government announced the 6 areas that will join the Devolution Priority Programme.

Six new areas—Cumbria, Cheshire & Warrington, Norfolk & Suffolk, Greater Essex, Sussex & Brighton, and Hampshire & Solent—are moving forward with mayor-led Strategic Authorities, set to be in place by May 2026.

With these changes, an additional 8.8 million people will come under mayoral devolution, meaning nearly 80% of England’s population will soon have local leaders with powers and funding over housing, planning and infrastructure, transport, energy, skills, employment and more.

It’s no longer enough to engage solely with stakeholders in Westminster and Whitehall—key decisions and funding are now being driven by strong, strategic local government.