The East Midlands could be in line for a new mayoral combined authority after council leaders in the region submitted an initial proposal to negotiate a devolution deal with the government.
If approved, it will see more major decisions being made locally and more funding for services in the region.
Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire councils were named as pathfinder areas in February’s Levelling Up White Paper and are looking to secure the earliest possible deal to bring more decision-making power into the hands of local people.
Key areas for greater autonomy and funding highlighted in the submission to the government include transport and infrastructure, business growth, inward investment, strategic regeneration, destination management, employment, education and skills.
As well as this, council resources could also be pooled to make them go further.
The government’s Levelling Up White Paper saw local leaders being asked to put forward a vision for devolved powers and improved services in their area.
The four council leaders said they had a ‘very positive’ meeting with Minister for Levelling Up, The Union and Constitution, Neil O’Brien on Monday 21 March.
Mr O’Brien said that the government was very encouraged by the level of ambition of the councils and indicated that he expected a good deal for the region could be agreed.
Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire are home to 2.2 million residents, which would make a future East Midlands Mayoral Combined Authority the third biggest in the country.
All the councils involved, including district and borough councils in these areas, would retain all the powers they already have.
The deal would not create a new tier of government but would bring a level of government which already exists from Westminster to the East Midlands, to be shaped by local councils and closer to the residents and businesses it affects.
All four councils will work with district and borough councils, businesses and other stakeholders through forums, including the City of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Economic Prosperity Committee and Vision Derbyshire to look at the details of the plan.
Further discussions with the government are expected to take place soon.
Commenting, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council and Chairman of the City of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Economic Prosperity Committee, Ben Bradley MP said:
“My priority and the priority of the other council leaders is improving the lives of local people. The government have made it clear that to maximise the benefits which are outlined in the whitepaper we need to think big and that’s exactly what we’re doing.
“We owe it to our residents and to future generations to be ambitious and to get the best possible deal for the county and the East Midlands, working to bring in new investment, more and better jobs, better public transport, an improved environment and more opportunities for skills and training.
“That means that a high-level combined authority deal should be our focus. If we go for a lesser option that won’t bring about the big improvements that we want to see.
“We want to stand alongside other areas like the West Midlands and Greater Manchester, in terms of getting our fair share of investment, having a bigger voice and getting the means to deliver positive change for our communities.
“We all know there has been underinvestment in our area when compared to London and the south-east and this is our chance to address that.
“Local council leaders already work well together on large scale projects, including public health, economic development, environmental strategy and many other areas, so this would build on existing collaboration.
“We still have a way to go and there is a lot to be confirmed, but this is a very positive step. Our areas have a lot in common and I believe a joint deal makes a lot of sense.
“We’re working really well as partners on this. I’m optimistic. I think the prospects for getting a really great deal for the East Midlands are high.
“I’m determined to make the most of this opportunity so we can see better outcomes for our residents.”
Leader of Derby City Council, Councillor Chris Poulter added:
“The government’s Levelling Up White Paper offers Derby and our wider region real opportunities for much needed investment.
“This is a significant opportunity for us to better represent our people and businesses through local level decision-making, with devolved powers and funding.
“The meeting on Monday was a very positive step in our conversations with government, which should act as a catalyst for securing our region’s fair share of national funding and support.
“The East Midlands has long been overlooked, in comparison to other combined authority areas like the West Midlands and Greater Manchester, public spending per person is lowest in the East Midlands at £12,113, 10% below the UK average.
“We’ve demonstrated our commitment to working together and I’m reassured by the constructive conversations between all councils. As individual authorities we exist to serve and support our residents.
“We’re convinced that by leaning on our collective resources we can only improve the efficiency and value for money of services provided for our people.”
PSE365 will be hosting a Public Sector Levelling Up virtual event on 17 November, sign up here.
