The East Midlands is set for a major boost in infrastructure, regeneration and public services as the East Midlands Combined County Authority unanimously approved its £500 million budget for 2026/27.
The investment marks a significant expansion of EMCCA’s role as a devolved authority and paves the way for one of the largest periods of regional transformation in decades.
The budget includes a landmark £290 million capital programme, with more than 70% dedicated to transport infrastructure, reflecting the Mayor’s commitment to improving connectivity, supporting economic growth, and delivering cleaner, safer travel across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby, and Nottingham.
Transport will receive more than £200 million in 2026/27, funded through the Government’s £2 billion Transport for City Regions settlement secured in 2025. This investment will focus on creating integrated transport networks spanning rail, trams, buses, an active travel routes.
A substantial £120 million will go directly to the region’s four highways authorities for road maintenance, with EMCCA planning an additional £120 million (inflation‑adjusted) for both 2027/28 and 2028/29. Further commitments include £22 million to enhance and protect local bus services, as well as £13.5 million for neighbourhood‑level road safety and local travel improvements.
From April 2026, EMCCA will assume responsibility for public transport operational services across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire – a key shift designed to streamline delivery and improve passenger experiences.
Supporting the Mayor’s East Midlands Growth Plan, the budget underpins a long‑term strategy to:
- Add £13 billion to the regional economy
- Deliver over 100,000 new homes
- Support 210,000 new qualifications
- Invest more than £2 billion in transport infrastructure
The East Midlands Investment Zone will receive £14.8 million in 2026/27, part of a wider £160 million Government commitment over the next decade. This funding will drive innovation, business expansion, and skills development, including support for the University of Derby’s skills pipeline and development at Hartington Commerce Park
Housing growth will be accelerated with £20 million from the Brownfield Housing Fund, helping to unlock approximately 2,000 new homes on previously developed land.
EMCCA’s own Investment Fund will inject £95 million over five years - £19 million in 2026/27 – into regeneration projects across towns and city centres. Early beneficiaries include the Sherwood Revival in Ollerton, and Derby’s Becketwell regeneration programme.
Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, said:
“This budget sets out a clear plan to invest in better transport, stronger communities, and a fairer, more prosperous East Midlands. Devolution is giving us the tools to make decisions that work for our region, and this financial plan ensures we deliver on those ambitions while managing public money responsibly.”
Alongside capital investment, the 2026/27 revenue budget allocates £226 million to delivering services and programmes. Key allocations include:
- £106 million for the Place Directorate, covering the full cost of taking over public transport operations such as bus contracts and concessionary fares
- £91 million for strategy and inclusive growth, including over £75 million in grants for Adult Skills Fund programmes
These investments support the Mayor’s Get East Midlands Working Plan, which aims to help 60,000 more people into employment over the next decade.
Image credit: iStock
