A total of 19 authorities today set out details of their devolution negotiations with ministers, following an initial declaration of interest last September.
The proposals include creating a single combined authority for the “D2N2” local enterprise partnership area of Derby city and Derbyshire, and Nottingham city and Nottinghamshire. This would be first time that a combined authority – which have been created around cities as part of the government’s devolution drive – has been formed with district, borough, city and county councils.
The authority and mayor would be given powers over a host of areas to boost economic growth, according to details published today. These include a 30-year infrastructure investment fund and a joint transport, as well as an Oyster-style smart ticketing system. The post would also be given greater control of adult skills spending to ensure this matches the needs of local businesses, and more responsibility for back to work schemes such as the Work Programme.
According to the authorities, the majority of the deal has broad agreement following negotiations, with only a small number of issues now requiring final discussion and sign off.
Nottingham City Council leader Jon Collins said it was vital that the public and businesses had a clear idea about the proposals, so the authorities had decided to publish the draft agreement.
"Following a request from government, we have renamed our bid as North Midlands, which more accurately reflects the geographical area covered and will be able to align with the same name for the combined authority,” he said.
"The talks between government and the North Midlands devolution deal team have been extremely positive throughout, with both sides clearly committed to an agreement. But now is the time to seal the deal.”
Nottinghamshire County Council leader Alan Rhodes stated this was “a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure the jobs, growth, new homes and better quality of life we all crave for our communities”.
He added: “The benefits to the local economy and local people are clear – we just await the green light from the chancellor.”
The full list of authorities signed up to the devolution bid is:
Amber Valley Borough Council
Ashfield District Council
Bassetlaw District Council
Bolsover District Council
Broxtowe Borough Council
Chesterfield Borough Council
Derby City Council
Derbyshire County Council
Derbyshire Dales District Council
Erewash Borough Council
Gedling Borough Council
High Peak Borough Council
Mansfield District Council
Newark and Sherwood District Council
North East Derbyshire District Council
Nottingham City Council
Nottinghamshire County Council
Rushcliffe Borough Council
South Derbyshire District Council
