The local government minister has confirmed the government’s commitment to devolution plans for four councils in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, which could see £1.14bn invested in the area.
Speaking remotely to a conference in Nottingham, Lee Rowley said: “We all know there is more that can be done and the opportunities to do more are ones we should seriously consider.
“We have an unrivalled geographical position in our country, brilliant transport links, and fantastic entrepreneurial companies. We are serious about wanting to empower the East Midlands.”
Under the devolution plans, the new combined county authority will cover Nottingham City Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Derby City Council and Derbyshire County Council. This will be known as the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) and will be led by an elected mayor representing both counties and cities.
Ben Bradley, Nottinghamshire County Council’s leader, said: “Devolution can help us be more effective locally, make better use of public money, and, most importantly, improve people’s lives. It would lay the groundwork for us to build on in the future, to benefit future generations.”
For too long this region hasn’t had the investment it needed and deserves – by working on a deal we can start to address this.
Greater control over budgets and investment
Devolution could provide the region with government funding of £1.14bn over a 30-year period, which equates to £38m per year. On top of this investment, the area would also receive £16m to build new homes on brownfield land.
David Mellen, Nottingham City Council’s leader, said: “For too long this region hasn’t had the investment it needed and deserves – by working on a deal we can start to address this, but this is just the start, and I will make sure that we get our fair share and make the most of this funding.”
Under the devolution plans, the region could take advantage of economies of scale by using combined and devolved budgets to deliver additional value for taxpayers and create more cost-efficient services. The elected mayor of the EMCCA would receive power to control a range of budgets such as adult education.
‘Accelerating’ journey to net zero
Barry Lewis, Derbyshire County Council’s leader, said: “It [devolution] will bring us more money and mean we can make more meaningful decisions here, rather than in London. 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.”
Devolution in the region would allow the combined authority to work towards net zero by building new low-carbon homes, promoting the use of renewable energy and protecting green spaces. The proposed combined authority will also work with Homes England to build more affordable housing by using new powers to buy land and property.
Chris Poulter, Derby City Council’s leader, 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.”
A more detailed proposal on devolution of the East Midlands is subject to a consultation, which closes on 9 January 2023.
If the devolution deal is formally approved, the government would pass legislation bringing a new combined authority for the East Midlands into existence. The first election for a regional mayor for Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire would be in May 2024.
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