POLITICS
The evolution of devolution
A decision on whether or not Government will devolve a host of powers to Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire will be taken this month, with a similar bid for Leicester and Leicestershire also under consideration. But is there any potential – or political appetite – to push for an East Midlands ‘super devo deal’ covering all three counties? Business Network Editor Jon Smart takes a closer look at the latest position on devolution.
Negotiations to devolve a swathe of powers from Whitehall to Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire have reached a critical stage, while in Leicestershire, a bid to boost jobs, improve transport and take more decisions locally has been submitted to Government. Final negotiations between council leaders
and ministers for the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire bid – dubbed the North Midlands Devolution Deal – are expected to conclude this month. The final round of talks comes on the back of
the publication of the North Midlands Devolution Deal document, endorsed by the 19 local authorities across the two counties, which sets out what they are asking from Government. Among the new powers under consideration
are: • Funding for major new infrastructure projects, including road and rail improvements
• A greater say on skills, apprenticeships and training, to match the attributes of the workforce with the needs of business
• The strengthening of planning and compulsory purchase powers to free up redundant brownfield land for development
• 100% superfast broadband coverage • The creation of a ‘Midlands Engine Hub’ for Foreign Direct Investment
• Improved awareness of finance options for SMEs Nottingham City Council Chief Executive Ian Curryer is leading the bid on behalf of the local
20 business network February 2016
authorities. He described the benefits to business of the devolution deal being successfully negotiated as “potentially huge”. “The Northern Powerhouse is already firmly
established and some of the areas within it have also secured devolution deals, as has the West Midlands,” he said. “A North Midlands deal would help to level the
playing field for our area and make us a key player within the Midlands Engine for Growth. “It would put us back in the fast lane. “The voice of business is critical if we’re to
create the momentum that will help us secure the growth, prosperity and success for the East Midlands that we all crave.” The Chamber has played a key role in engaging with its members and the wider business community by issuing a series of communications to raise awareness of the benefits of devolution to local businesses. But Scott Knowles, its Chief Executive, warned
that firms will support devolution only if business is central to its delivery. He said: “Local businesses broadly support
devolution which, if done properly, will deliver greater efficiency, accountability and better results. However, it must be done for sound business reasons. “As the devolution agenda progresses, there is
a clear need to ensure the business voice is not diluted when it comes to giving local communities more control, as it is business that will generate the growth needed to drive the economy.”
The North Midlands bid has been backed by a
founder of one of the region’s biggest businesses. Sir John Peace, who created CCN – which went on to become global information services provider Experian – in 1980, said the devolution process could be “one of the most significant changes to the way we develop the potential of local economies”. He said: “We already know that our cities are
real engines of growth, not just in the East Midlands but nationally and internationally, but there is significant unexplored potential in our non-metropolitan areas and the devolution process opens up the possibility that we can take targeted action to make the most of that.” Sir John added that bold action will be
required to improve the way decisions about investment in local economies are taken. Local authorities in Leicester and
Leicestershire are also pushing for greater local control over skills, planning, transport and other key issues affecting the area. The city, county and district councils have all
endorsed proposals to create a combined authority, which were submitted to Government in December and if approved, could see the new body in place before the end of the year. It would not replace individual councils and their current services, but would enable them to work more closely together on key issues. Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said
councils across the county have a proven track record of successfully working together to make things happen. “We are in an excellent position to deliver
growth as a combined authority,” he said. “Our submission shows our ongoing
commitment to working closely with partners in the county, and with our regional neighbours, on where to invest and how best to support local people and businesses.” The Leicester and Leicestershire Combined
Authority proposal will benefit around a million people in total – 330,000 living in the city and
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