East Midlands councils to explore devolution deal

The county council leaders of Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire have agreed to explore a strategic alliance to create a unified voice for the region.

Councillors Barry Lewis, Nick Ruston, Martin Hill and Kay Cutts argue that a devolution deal would help boost the East Midland’s economy and provide a better, more localised, focus on transport, infrastructure and employment.

In a joint statement, the council leaders said: “We believe that we can achieve much more if we work together, particularly in the areas of connectivity, trade, investment and growth. A recent East Midlands councils report showed that people in our area get the lowest government spending on economic development and transport in the country, with rail expenditure in the region at just £91 per person, compared to £746 per person in London. This will remain the case unless we join forces and make our voice heard.

“We want to work together to grow our economy so that we build on our strengths and tackle our challenges. We would work with our LEPs and Chambers, and would be complementary to the Midlands Engine. The next stage in the plans will be to have further detailed talks to see how we can take the Strategic Alliance forward with a view to eventually being able to draw down powers and funding from government.”