Rebecca Riley emphasises the urgent need for data devolution to empower Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs) in England, highlighting seven key reforms to improve data access, governance, and collaboration.
In our data-driven world, we can’t focus enough on the importance of data transparency and accessibility. My recent briefing paper for the Local Policy Innovation Partnership (LPIP) Hub sheds light on the critical need for data devolution to empower Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs) in England. Having worked in an MCA leading on data and intelligence, it’s clear to me that the future of local governance depends on our ability to effectively harness and utilise data. The speed of technology change and systems that can analyse and help make sense of good data mean that not harnessing this will leave places behind in the race to make good decisions.
The Current Landscape
My paper highlights several challenges faced by MCAs in accessing and using data. Despite the wealth of data available at the national level, local authorities often struggle with gaps in data quality and availability. This is exacerbated by the lack of statutory powers for MCAs to access and process data, which hampers their ability to make informed decisions and share across boundaries and organisational levels. The National Audit Office (NAO) has repeatedly emphasised the importance of high-quality data for evidence-based decision-making, yet we still haven’t addressed some basic data governance issues.
The Seven Devolution Asks
I outline seven key devolution asks that could transform the way MCAs operate and how they work with partners:
- Better Engagement: There is a pressing need for the government to engage more effectively with MCAs to identify and overcome barriers to data sharing and use. This includes recognising the statutory role of MCAs in data processing and holding.
- Cross-Government Accountability: Establishing clear accountability, governance, and funding mechanisms for data to support place-based analysis is crucial. This would ensure that MCAs have access to the data they need to make informed decisions.
- Standardised Data Practices: Developing cross-government rules, standards, and common ways to collect, store, and manage data at a place level would align with the new institutional geographies of local delivery.
- Critical Datasets: Collaboration on identifying critical datasets for government functions, business case development, and evaluation is essential. This includes enhancing these datasets through process improvement and automation.
- Investment in Staff and Capacity: National government must invest in local staff and capacity, recognising the resources required to fully utilise data and develop evidence-based decision-making.
- Cost of Licensing Data Products: Greater collaboration with the government on the cost of licensing data products or developing new ones that can be shared across departments is necessary.
- R&D Focus: Central government should facilitate collaboration with other providers of research and public data, such as universities and UKRI-funded programs, to introduce new R&D opportunities in the public sector data infrastructure.
The Path Forward
It’s clear to me that treating data as a strategic asset is non-negotiable. While the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) gets it, other departments are lagging. The National Data Strategy points out several issues—data foundations, skills, availability, and responsible use—that are holding us back.
For MCAs to truly thrive, we need to tackle these barriers head-on. This means giving MCAs the power to act as data controllers, improving governance and oversight, and ensuring they have access to detailed, granular data. The paper also emphasises the need for regional data platforms, which are crucial for creating smart city regions. It’s time for a concerted effort to make this happen.
Conclusion
The future of local governance in England depends on effectively harnessing data. By addressing the seven devolution asks, we can empower MCAs to make informed decisions, drive local growth, and achieve better outcomes for residents. It is time for the government to recognise the strategic importance of data and take decisive action to support place-based analysis and decision-making.
Data and Transparency for Combined Authorities: Briefing Paper
This blog was written by Rebecca Riley, Professor for Enterprise, Engagement and Impact, City-REDI, University of Birmingham and the Director of the LPIP Hub.
Find out more about the Local Policy Innovation Partnership Hub.
Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this post are those of the author and not necessarily those of City-REDI or the University of Birmingham.