The Government has confirmed that a £1.14 billion devolution deal is on offer for the East Midlands, covering Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby, and Nottingham.
The deal will provide the region with a guaranteed income stream of £38 million per year over a 30-year period. The deal is one of the first of a new type for a combined authority, requiring new legislation from central government. As well as the £1.14 billion, it includes an extra £16 million for new homes on brownfield land, and control over a range of budgets like the Adult Education Budget, which could be better tailored to the needs of people in our communities.
The devolution deal is a level 3 deal, which offers the most local powers and funding. It would mean the creation of a new elected regional mayor, like those in other areas such as the West Midlands and Greater Manchester, who would represent both cities and counties. The role of the mayor would be to look at major issues affecting the whole region, give the area more of a voice, and take advantage of local knowledge and expertise.
So what does this mean for Mansfield?
- Mansfield District Council would not lose any of its powers or responsibilities.
- It would not have any reduced funding
- It will not replace our Mayor or our local decision making structures and practices
- It will not see Districts and Borough Councils merge or be taken over by County Council or the new combined authority.
It will however give us an opportunity to be part of one of the biggest combined authorities which will enable us to attract money, inward investment, improve opportunities through skills and training for all our residents, improve opportunities to gain funding for housing development as well as funding an opportunities to tackle the carbon reduction on a much bigger scale and faster.
Some key points surrounding what the deal means and what a future mayor and combined authority could action include:
- Work towards Net Zero and cleaner air with new low carbon homes, retrofit existing houses with external wall insulation, promote the use of renewable energy, and protect and enhance green spaces, such as areas for wildlife and green verges.
- Build on the region’s existing knowledge and expertise in green technology and promote the growth of a future low carbon economy by investing in related skills training at colleges and other training facilities.
- Set up and coordinate smart integrated ticketing and enhanced concessionary fares schemes.
- Work with Homes England to build more affordable homes, by using new powers to buy land and housing (With district and borough council consent).
- Enhance the region’s economy by developing new commercial space to maximise opportunities. Work with national government on initiatives to address homelessness, domestic abuse, community safety, social mobility, and support for young people.
- Take advantage of economies of scale by using combined and devolved budgets to deliver more value for taxpayers and more cost-efficient services.
The regional mayor would lead the new combined authority, which would also include representatives from local councils, with decision making powers and resources moving from London to the East Midlands.