Nottingham could be part of a £30 million boost to the region if it becomes the UK’s first combined authority under devolution plans.
Combining Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire and bringing more powers to the region would bring new jobs, housing and investment, according to politicians.
The plan is for 19 councils across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, together with business leaders from the Local Enterprise Partnership which covers the two counties, to create a single Combined Authority for the region by March 2016.
Elections for the Mayor and the Combined authority are planned for May 2017.
Councillor Jon Collins, Leader of Nottingham City Council, believes that it’s vital for the public and businesses to have a clear idea about the rewards on offer.
He said: “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.
“The talks between Government and the North Midlands devolution deal team have been extremely positive.
“With both sides clearly committed to an agreement, but it is now time to seal the deal.”
Devolution benefits could include:
- 55,000 new private sector jobs
- 77,000 extra homes
- At least £900m in an Investment Fund over 30 years
- Control over £150m annual adult skills budgets
- £137m a year in consolidated transport funding
- £200m Housing Investment Fund
- Control of the regulation of bus services
- Single “Oyster” style card ticketing
Final approval is due from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, in the coming weeks, and the plan could release at least £30 million for the new authority over the next thirty years.
The new set-up will get rid of police and crime commissioners – whose roles will be included in the elected mayor’s job. The Mayor will also lead the counties’ local enterprise partnerships. This will give them significant powers over employment, skills, transport, housing, planning, business support and investment.
But not everyone is in favour of the proposed change – among them Bassetlaw MP John Mann.
It is now a case of waiting for the seal of approval from Westminster to give its approval to the deal, then each 19 leaders can return to their councils and put it to vote.
To watch the full report and an interview with Nottinghamshire County Council Leader Alan Rhodes tune into Notts TV at 5.30.
