On 16 December 2025, the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, published its White Paper for English Devolution outlining new powers and mechanism to promote regional and national growth.

The paper recognises the need to integrate and reform public services, starting with addressing the local government underinvestment trend. While UK central government investment aligns with the OECD average of 2.2% of GDP, local government investment lags significantly at 0.8%- a stark contrast to the OECD average of 1.4% and the lowest among G7 nations.

CIHT welcomes this as local government underinvestment in the past years has blocked infrastructure improvements, particularly in transport, a vital engine for growth.

To address these issues, the White Paper outlines an ambitious framework, where further devolution is recognised as essential for achieving more effective policy implementation by:

• Tailoring policies to local needs, with decisions being made by those who know their areas best, leading to a better use of resources for the different English regional economies
• Coordinating actions in a place, especially on policies around skills, innovation and infrastructure which are more effective when complementing each other
• Giving communities a greater say in decisions that affect them.

The English Devolution White Paper outlines an ambitious agenda for transport as a cornerstone of local and national development. Below are some of the highlights -  for further details, please refer to the White Paper.

Consolidated funding for Mayors

Mayors of Mayoral strategic authorities will oversee consolidated funding pots covering transport, local growth, housing and skills development. These streamlined budgets will facilitate integrated planning and expedite projects vital to economic regeneration.

Key Route Networks

Mayoral Strategic Authorities will be able to create and manage a "Key Route Network," covering key local roads to ensure they are well-maintained and aligned with mayoral priorities.

Mayors will have powers to direct operational changes on these roads, with a review after two years to see how effective these powers are.

Micromobility and Lane Rental 

Local transport authorities will gain autonomy to regulate micromobility schemes, ensuring better integration with public transport and addressing common issues like poorly parked cycles and e-cycles. Moreover, a consultation will explore devolving lane rental approval, further empowering local areas to optimise road use. 

Buses: Expanded Franchising Powers

The recently published Bus Services Bill grants local transport authorities greater flexibility to adopt bus franchising. This move underscores the commitment to enabling more accessible and cohesive public transport systems.

CIHT welcomes the publication of new guidance to support authorities in setting up bus franchising schemes and the fact that the government has identified public transport as a key lever for raising living standards and is legislating to support improved public transport services.

We also stress the importance of ensuring the benefits of bus franchising reach all areas, including rural areas, and that there is continued support for Enhanced Partnership schemes.

Strengthened Collaboration with National Highways

The plan also formalizes partnerships between mayoral authorities and National Highways, ensuring coherent management of local roads alongside the Strategic Road Network.

Updated Transport Planning Framework

New guidance for Local Transport Plans will prioritise integrated networks, providing a robust foundation for future-proofed transport systems across the country. CIHT has previously called for updated Local Transport Plan Guidance in our response to the Government’s Consultation on proposed updates to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). As stated in our response, CIHT believes that it is important for Local Transport Plans to be directly referenced in the NPPF to ensure better integration of transport in planning processes.