Public to get a say over £1.14bn devolution plans

Council chiefs have green lit plans for a public consultation over the East Midlands devolution deal.

The leaders of Derby City Council, Derbyshire County Council, Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council signed up to work on a deal earlier this year after the Government offered the region a package of new powers and funding worth £1.14bn.

The plans, which would see a new type of regional authority created for the area, could provide a guaranteed income stream of £38m per year over a 30-year period.

The consultation will begin on 14 November and run until 9 January 2023.

Chris Poulter, leader of Derby City Council, said: “The East Midlands has long been overlooked and held back compared to other areas of the country. The cities and counties in our region should have a bigger voice, and this devolution deal would give us the influence, funding, and powers that we deserve.

“The investment in this deal will bring with it many opportunities. We could see more jobs, better transport and housing, an enhanced greener environment, and more value for money of services provided for our people.

“The proposals that we’re consulting on are just the beginning, and we’re determined to build on it over time. I would encourage everyone to give us their views on the deal by taking part in the consultation.”

Cllr David Mellen, leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “My view is that this deal has the potential to make a significant difference and local people would see the real benefits from the investment with more and better jobs, housing, training and much more. It would allow us to start to address the long-term under-investment in our region. It would give us more control over our own area, where local people would have a say in the region’s priorities rather than decisions made in London.”

Barry Lewis, leader of Derbyshire County Council, added: “This deal will bring more and better jobs and opportunities for training, improve the local economy, result in better transport and housing, and accelerate our route to Net Zero. I encourage everyone to take part in the consultation and give us their views on devolution.

“A devolution deal, should it be agreed, would be the beginning, not the end. We’re determined to build on this deal over time, as other areas have done.”