Devolution consultation set to get underway

A public consultation about the East Midlands devolution deal is set to open.

Earlier this month Derbyshire County Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Derby City Council, and Nottingham City Council gave the green light to a public consultation on devolution, so the public, businesses, community groups and other organisations can have their say about the deal.

Now, the consultation is set to open on Monday and last until 9 January.

The leaders of each of the four councils signed up to work on a devolution deal on 30 August this year at Rolls-Royce, in Derby, after the Government offered the region a package of new powers and funding worth £1.14 billion.

Since August the councils have been working on agreeing a more detailed proposal for consultation, which includes more information about how devolution would work in our area.

The deal would provide the region with a guaranteed income stream of £38 million per year over a 30-year period, and would cover around 2.2 million people, making it one of the biggest in the country.

It would also mean a new regional mayor and new type of combined authority for the area, from 2024.

Councillor 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.”

Barry Lewis, leader of Derbyshire County Council, said: “Devolution is about getting a better deal for Derbyshire and the East Midlands and achieving a fair share for our region.

“It 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.

“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.”

More information about the consultation, including a link to the online survey and other details, will be published online when the consultation begins on Monday.