Council leaders bid for combined devolution deal

Nottingham City Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Derby City Council and Derbyshire County Council have sent initial proposals to negotiate a combined devolution deal.

In February, the four councils were named as pathfinder areas by the government and were invited to apply for a devolution deal. The councils are now at the front of the queue and are looking to secure the earliest possible deal to bring more decision-making power into the hands of local people.

The proposed new East Midlands Mayoral Combined Authority would lead to more major decisions being made locally and more funding for services in the region. 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. Council resources could also be pooled to make them go further.

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.

David Mellen, leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “The East Midlands has been underfunded for many years compared to other parts of the country and so it makes sense for us to look very seriously at anything that could help to redress the balance. This isn’t just about what the Government wants from us, it’s also about what the Government can offer us – investment in jobs and regeneration and additional powers that can help us meet our full potential.

“Working together with neighbouring councils, we will push hard for a devolution deal that delivers the resources for our region that the West Midlands, the Manchester City region and other regions have gained. A combined authority involving Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Derby and Derbyshire councils would build on our existing strengths and shared vision to benefit over two million residents across our counties and cities. We have been developing plans focused on transport and infrastructure, skills and employment and climate change which could radically improve the lives and prospects of those in our communities. We need Government to back these plans and give us the best deal to benefit our region. There also needs to be further consultation and engagement with citizens before any deal is reached.”