During the pandemic interaction between local and central government has stepped up in a way that is already influencing future policy. Central Government has relied heavily on local authorities. This has put local government at the forefront of delivering social and economic recovery to their areas and adds weight to the argument that devolution is key to future economic success.

While the long-awaited devolution White Paper has been delayed a number of times, a string of local authorities are setting their own agenda for devolution, proving that a shift in central-local relations is already possible. They are signalling that in the current climate, there is an opportunity for local government to provide a proactive response to COVID-19 and the need to drive economic renewal.