The Future of Cultural Devolution in the UK

This policy paper sets out proposed amendments to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill to embed culture, creativity and heritage within England’s emerging framework for devolved governance. It argues that successful devolution requires not only the transfer of powers but the strengthening of the cultural and civic assets that enable places to flourish, proposing new responsibilities, institutions and tools to support cultural leadership at local and regional levels. Together, these measures position culture as a core pillar of place-based policymaking, ensuring it plays a central role in shaping growth, identity, participation and community wellbeing.

This paper explores how culture-led capital development projects can strengthen local cultural decision-making and contribute to thriving creative, cultural and heritage ecosystems. Through case studies of Docking Station in Medway and Harmony Works in Sheffield, it examines the role of major cultural investments in supporting participation, partnership and community influence. The report identifies lessons for policymakers and funders and sets out recommendations to help ensure culture-led capital projects can deliver lasting local impact.

This digital report contains findings and recommendations from a four-nations open policy development programme led by Culture Commons in partnership with 30 organisations across the UK. Drawing on 25 research papers and engagement with more than 250 stakeholders, it represents the largest independent programme on cultural devolution undertaken anywhere in the world to date. The report outlines the project’s methodology, evidence base and policy implications, and demonstrates how its insights are already informing local, regional and national policymaking.

This insight paper captures the views of senior members of the Creative Industries Council on the opportunities and challenges presented by devolution and increased local decision-making. Drawing on a high-level roundtable discussion, it explores the role of combined authorities, place-based growth strategies and collaboration between industry, regional leaders and national government. The report identifies priorities for strengthening local capacity, improving regional investment and ensuring the creative industries are embedded within the UK’s evolving devolution agenda.

This discussion paper examines how devolution has reshaped the relationship between the UK’s creative, cultural and heritage sectors and systems of local, regional and national governance. Drawing on analysis of policy, funding and institutional change across all four nations, it explores the opportunities and challenges created by evolving devolved structures, including the growing role of local authorities, combined authorities and regional mayors. The report identifies ways culture can be more effectively embedded within devolved policymaking and outlines priorities for ensuring the sector can help shape future devolution settlements.

This insight paper explores the opportunities and challenges facing local authorities as they take on a greater role in cultural decision-making across Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Drawing on discussions with local government officers and arm’s length organisations, it examines issues including funding, capacity, governance and the changing role of culture in place-based development. The report highlights emerging approaches to collaboration, participation and innovation, and sets out implications for strengthening local cultural leadership across the devolved nations.

This discussion paper examines how devolution and increased local cultural decision-making could shape the experiences of freelance workers across the UK’s creative industries and cultural sector. Drawing on labour market analysis and sector evidence, it explores issues including precarity, regional inequality, access to support and the challenges of aligning freelance work with place-based policy approaches. The report argues that stronger coordination between national and local policy is needed to ensure freelancers are recognised, supported and able to contribute fully to thriving cultural ecosystems.

This insight paper explores international approaches to local cultural decision-making, drawing on perspectives from policymakers, practitioners and researchers across multiple countries. It examines how different governance models are supporting cultural participation, civic engagement and more equitable approaches to cultural policymaking at local and regional levels. The report identifies lessons for the UK’s devolution agenda, highlighting the value of international exchange, collaborative governance and culture’s role in strengthening inclusion, trust and democratic participation.

This insight paper explores how major grant-giving bodies are responding to devolution and the growing importance of place-based decision-making across the UK’s creative, cultural and heritage sectors. Drawing on perspectives from leading philanthropic funders, it examines the challenges and opportunities created by shifting governance structures, regional inequalities and changing patterns of investment. The report identifies priorities for collaboration between funders and public authorities, and considers how philanthropic investment can best support thriving cultural ecosystems within an increasingly devolved policy landscape.

This insight paper explores how devolution and increased local decision-making are shaping the future of public library services across the UK. Drawing on perspectives from senior library leaders, it examines the role of libraries as civic and cultural infrastructure that supports community participation, digital inclusion and place-based policymaking. The report identifies opportunities for libraries to play a stronger role within devolved governance structures while highlighting the need for sustained investment, leadership and capacity to ensure their long-term contribution to local cultural and democratic life.

This insight paper explores how property developers can contribute to local cultural decision-making and support culture-led approaches to placemaking and regeneration. Drawing on perspectives from leaders across the built environment and creative sectors, it examines the role of partnerships, investment models and development practices in embedding culture within the design and growth of places. The report identifies opportunities for closer collaboration between developers, local authorities and cultural organisations, and outlines implications for strengthening cultural outcomes within an increasingly devolved policy landscape.

This insight paper explores how creative, cultural and heritage organisations across Tayside and Fife are working together to strengthen regional collaboration and shared cultural leadership. Drawing on perspectives from leading cultural institutions - including the V&A Dundee - it examines the relationship between place, identity and governance, and how community participation is shaping new approaches to cultural decision-making. The report highlights opportunities for deeper cross-boundary cooperation and sets out considerations for supporting stronger regional cultural ecosystems in East Scotland.

This discussion paper examines how public involvement in cultural decision-making can strengthen democracy, accountability and legitimacy across the UK’s creative, cultural and heritage sectors. Drawing on a range of participatory approaches, it explores how citizens can play a more meaningful role in shaping cultural priorities, investment and governance at local and regional levels. The report argues for flexible, locally responsive models of participation that build trust, support cultural rights and embed public voice within evolving systems of devolved governance.

This insight paper explores the challenges and opportunities facing cultural decision-making in places that have experienced long-term economic and social disadvantage. Drawing on perspectives from local leaders, funders and policymakers, it examines issues including cultural infrastructure, civic capacity, community participation and the impact of historic underinvestment. The report highlights the importance of long-term collaboration, trust-building and locally led approaches, and considers how future devolution and cultural funding reforms can better support these communities.

This research paper examines how major cultural events, including programmes such as UK City of Culture, shape local cultural decision-making, investment and place-based development. Drawing on comparative case studies, it explores the opportunities and challenges associated with using large-scale events as catalysts for regeneration, civic participation and cultural growth. The report argues that lasting benefits depend on embedding major events within long-term regional strategies, ensuring that investment, infrastructure and community outcomes are sustained beyond the event itself.

This research paper examines how local cultural strategies are evolving to support decision-making within England’s changing policy and governance landscape. It explores how cultural strategies can connect culture with wider priorities such as economic development, health and wellbeing, education and regeneration, positioning culture as a key contributor to public value and place-based growth. The report highlights the importance of evidence, collaboration and outcomes-focused approaches, and considers how cultural strategies can play a stronger role within devolved systems of governance and accountability.

This research paper examines the role of local authorities as key leaders, convenors and investors within the UK’s creative, cultural and heritage ecosystem. Drawing on case studies from across England, it explores how councils are supporting cultural participation, economic resilience and community wellbeing despite significant financial pressures. The report identifies innovative approaches to local cultural governance while highlighting the need for stronger coordination, sustainable investment and greater recognition of culture within devolution and place-based policy frameworks.

This research paper explores public attitudes towards culture, creativity and local cultural decision-making through focus groups conducted across the UK. It examines how people understand the value of culture in their communities, their perceptions of cultural funding and governance, and their desire for greater transparency and local influence over decisions. The report highlights the importance of public engagement, trust and accountability, and considers how devolved cultural systems can better reflect the priorities and experiences of local communities.

This insight paper explores the role of pan-regional collaboration in supporting the growth and development of the UK’s creative, cultural and heritage sectors. Drawing on perspectives from Creative Estuary and the Royal Society of Arts’ and the One Creative North and others, it examines how collaboration at scale can strengthen investment, coordination, knowledge-sharing and innovation across geographic boundaries. The report highlights the potential of pan-regional approaches to complement local and regional decision-making, and considers how future devolution frameworks can support more connected systems of cultural governance.

This research paper examines the creative, cultural and heritage ecosystem of the West Midlands within the context of England’s evolving devolution agenda. Drawing on policy analysis, stakeholder engagement and regional evidence, it explores the opportunities and challenges facing cultural governance, investment and collaboration across the region. The report highlights the role of combined authorities, local councils and cultural institutions in shaping a more coordinated approach to culture, and considers how the West Midlands can strengthen its contribution to regional growth, wellbeing and civic life.

This insight paper explores how devolution and increased local decision-making are affecting independent museums and galleries across the UK. Drawing on perspectives from sector leaders, it examines the relationship between cultural organisations and local government, including the opportunities and challenges created by changing governance structures, funding pressures and regional priorities. The report highlights the civic, educational and wellbeing contributions of independent museums and galleries, and considers how they can be more effectively supported and integrated within devolved cultural policy frameworks.

This research paper examines how different legal structures and business models support organisations across the UK’s creative, cultural and heritage sectors. Drawing on case studies and policy analysis, it explores the opportunities and challenges facing freelancers, SMEs and hybrid enterprises, and considers how existing support mechanisms respond to their diverse needs. The report highlights the importance of tailored, evidence-based interventions and stronger local decision-making to ensure creativity is fully embedded within regional economic development and growth strategies.

This insight paper explores how combined authorities and local authorities are working together to support the creative, cultural and heritage ecosystem within England’s evolving devolution framework. Drawing on perspectives from regional and local government leaders, it examines approaches to collaboration, strategic planning, investment, data and public engagement across different tiers of governance. The report highlights the importance of strong local–regional partnerships and considers how policy, capacity and coordination can help embed culture more effectively within devolved decision-making and place-based development.

This insight paper examines how citizens can play a greater role in shaping local cultural decision-making across the UK. Drawing on examples of participatory governance and community-led practice, it explores approaches that strengthen public involvement in cultural planning, investment and accountability. The report considers how local voice can be embedded more effectively within devolved governance systems, supporting more inclusive, democratic and community-centred cultural policymaking.

This insight paper examines how local cultural strategies can support creativity, participation and investment within the UK’s evolving devolution landscape. Drawing on examples from local authorities across the UK, it explores how place-based cultural strategies can bring together public bodies, cultural organisations and communities around shared priorities for growth and inclusion. The report highlights the role of cultural strategies in strengthening local leadership, civic engagement and long-term planning, helping to embed culture at the heart of local and regional development.

This insight paper examines how devolution and local decision-making are evolving across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Drawing on perspectives from across the four nations, it explores how different governance arrangements, funding systems and civic traditions shape the distribution of power and responsibility at local and regional levels. The report considers the implications for culture and highlights the need for more coherent, participatory and place-based approaches to cultural decision-making within the UK’s changing constitutional landscape.