Plans for the people of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire and their two cities to have a greater say in their future have taken another step forward after Westminster approved key legislation.
The Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill has been granted Royal Assent in Parliament, paving the way for a new East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) which would see the first mayoral elected for the region next spring.
Politicians at Nottingham City Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Derby City Council and Derbyshire County Council are set to vote in favour of the devolution plans before the end of the year.
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Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County Council are not included in the plans which would see the four neighbouring city and county council areas to the north receive £1.14 billion of funding for things such as transport, education and skills, housing, the environment and economic development.
Derbyshire County Council leader Coun Barry Lewis said: “This is a key milestone on the road to agreeing plans to bring in £38 million a year for the East Midlands and move major decision-making to the people who best know our communities, rather than Westminster.
“It’s about improving the lives of people across our region by bringing more and better jobs, opportunities for training, better transport and housing, improving the local economy and accelerating our route to Net Zero.
“But that’s just the start. If this deal is agreed, we’re determined to build on it over time as other areas have done, bringing further benefits for our residents in the future.”
Nottingham City Council leader Coun David Mellen said: “This is positive news and allows us to move forward with devolution plans which will make a significant difference to people, both in our city and the wider region.
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“More investment and the power to make local decisions on how money is spent would lead to better jobs, housing and training opportunities. Our region has been underfunded for too long and I will work to make sure we get our fair share of funding and maximise its potential.”
Assuming the plans go through, people would vote on an East Midlands Combined County Authority elected mayor some time from May 2024.
Nottingham City Council said devolution plans for the East Midlands were similar to those already in place across other mayoral regions such as Greater Manchester and the West Midlands.
If the plans go ahead, the EMCCA would be the first combined county authority in the country, representing around 2.2 million people.
So far, £18 million has been awarded to the area as early investment during devolution negotiations, which is being spent on improving local housing, transport and skills provision. More funding is expected once the combined authority is formed.
A statement from Nottingham City Council said: “Earlier this month, the Government announced around £1.5 billion in transport funding for the East Midlands Mayor, who would be in place from May 2024.
“Thanks to devolution proposals, the East Midlands has been invited to establish an ‘Investment Zone’, which will attract £80 million of support over five years, with tax incentives for businesses to help boost economic growth right across the region.
“Further investment to boost local projects across the region would also be provided through annual Whitehall budgets and spending reviews.”