LEP staff join new East Midlands devolution drive

The devolution drive in the East Midlands has taken another step forward after D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has been incorporated into the new East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

Around 20 LEP staff have joined the EMCCA to help improve transport, housing, skills and adult education and achieve net-zero goals in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Derby, and Derbyshire.

Local enterprise partnerships, created in 2010 for local economic development, are now part of the devolution deal with the government.

The LEP board agreed to merge its functions with the EMCCA to tackle the region’s challenges more effectively.

The EMCCA was established in just weeks ago after securing a £1.14bn devolution deal with the government.

Covering Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby, and Nottingham, EMCCA is led by elected mayor Claire Ward with devolved powers over transport, housing, skills and adult education, and net zero initiatives.

Mark Rogers, interim chief executive of EMCCA said: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome LEP staff to the EMCCA. It’s an important step forward in growing organisational capacity and supporting our devolution journey that’s seen powers move from Westminster to the East Midlands where we can make the right decisions for the people we serve. 

“The move means the expertise, knowledge and experience that supports business growth, investment opportunities and partnership working in one place where we can make a real difference to our region.” 

The D2N2 Board, which provides leadership for the LEP, will be in place until the end of this year.