From Lawyers of Light Telegram;
Alert
Devolution white paper available to read. Comments in brackets below are my own
“Strategic Authorities” – the Government will create in law the concept of a Strategic Authority. All Strategic Authorities will belong to one of the levels set out (determined by government not by democratic process)
The Government will explore enabling Mayors to promote economic, social, and environmental aims (SDGs no doubt) and convene stakeholders with a corresponding duty on public authorities to respond (public private partnerships = stakeholder capitalism a la WEF)
The Government will work closely with local leaders to explore what support they might need to develop robust proposals and implement new structures, including taking decisions to postpone local elections where this will help to smooth the transition process (removing our right to vote out and show our displeasure)
Established Mayoral Strategic Authorities will become eligible for the Integrated Settlement, which will commence at the following Spending Review provided a sufficient preparation period has passed (blackmail)
Areas that agree to take on a Mayor will see major benefits (more blackmail)
This is a hostile take over. Call it what you like. Fascism, stakeholder capitalism, a blend of that and communism. But it is a hostile takeover. Act accordingly