Widespread support for devolution plans

The results of a consultation on devolution proposals for the East Midlands have been published, showing substantial support for the plans.

There were 4,869 responses to the consultation on the creation of an East Midlands Combined County Authority from members of the public and individuals answering on behalf of organisations.

It was open to residents, businesses, community and voluntary groups, and other employers acriss Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire between November 2022 and January 2023, with the number of responses said to be higher than similar consultations on devolution in other areas. Political and business leaders, including the Chamber, have backed devolution as it would mean more power in local hands on areas such as economic development, transport, skills training and housing.

The results of the consultation showed:

• 53% agreed with the proposals for transport, compared to 35% disagreeing

• 52% agreed with the proposals for skills, compared to 32% disagreeing

• 51% agreed with the proposals for reducing carbon and improving the environment, compared to 33% disagreeing

• 51% agreed with the proposals for public health, compared to 33% disagreeing

• 46% agreed with the proposals for homes, compared to 39% disagreeing

• 42% agreed with the proposals for governance, compared to 45% disagreeing. Comments on the governance proposals, which were the only area where more people disagreed than agreed, tended to centre around the need for a regional mayor.

Having a regional mayor is a condition set by the Government for a level three deal, which offers the most powers and highest funding. The mayor, elected by residents, would be held to account by elected representatives from county and city councils in the two counties, as well as a scrutiny committee.

The Government has offered new powers to the upper-tier local authorities in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, along with at least £1.14bn of funding over 30 years. The consultation gathered views on how devolution would work. If all four councils vote to accept the results and move forward with the process, a final proposal will be sent to Government.

Legislation to form the new East Midlands Combined County Authority could then go through Parliament later this year with a view to being established in spring 2024, with the election for a regional mayor covering the two counties taking place in May 2024.

The Chamber’s chief executive Scott Knowles (pictured) said businesses need the “political apparatus that removes any obstacles to national and local decisionmaking, enhances our ability to attract investment and ultimately creates a more business-friendly environment”.