UNISON committed to a fair, inclusive and democratically accountable approach to devolution that invests in public services at its conference today.

Becky Tye, from the Eastern region, said that the devolution white paper promises “the biggest shift in power.”

“It appears ambitious and transformative but we know the political context is shifting,” she said.

“The prospect of devolution brings new risks and could be captured by right-wing politicians such as Reform. So we must ensure there are strong democratic safeguards.”

Ms Tye said that there were serious concerns lying behind the headlines.

She said: “The reorganisation of local government should not mean cutting public services and jobs.

“Many workers have been left wondering if they will have a job in the new authority.”

She said: “Without local government funding being sorted out, it’s like rearranging the decks on the Titanic.”

Northern region delegate Jane Shortland highlighted how the proposed changes affect the whole union.

She said: “If we don’t shape what’s coming, it will shape us.

“Our focus must be on defending jobs and terms and conditions.”

Alison Evans from the South West welcomed “the move to bring power closer to local communities.”

But she warned against “the perils of reorganisation,” saying: “Abolishing two-tier authorities must not lead to the reduction in services and job cuts.

“We will not stand by and let devolution challenge national pay arrangements.

“Devolution must be about empowerment and strengthening services and protecting the people who deliver them.”

NEC member Abby Holdsworth said: “Unison supports genuine efforts to bring power closer to local communities, such as bringing local transport back into local control.”

But she also said that “funding must come first, devolution must be based on needs, not cuts and the protection of our members’ terms and conditions.”