East Midlands Combined Authority takes a step closer as proposals submitted

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

The four councils were named as pathfinder areas by the Government in February and were invited to apply for a devolution deal. The councils say they 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”.

If agreed, this could create a new East Midlands Mayoral Combined Authority, leading 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.

The combined authority submission follows the publication of the Government’s Levelling Up White Paper, in which local leaders were asked to put forward a vision for devolved powers and improved services in their area.

The four council leaders had a “very positive” meeting with Minister Neil O’Brien MP on Monday (21 March), who said that the Government is “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 is home to 2.2 million residents, which would make a future East Midlands Mayoral Combined Authority the third biggest in the country.

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 to look at the details of the plan, which needs to be approved by the Government. Further discussions with the Government are expected to take place soon.

Ben Bradley MP, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council 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 White Paper 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.