By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
Money being brought to the region to kickstart economic development through a devolution deal is “nothing to shout about”, some Nottingham City Councillors have said.
Devolution involves some key powers and funding transferring to regional politicians from Whitehall. It means more political power locally on planning, housing, roads, infrastructure and economic development.
A regional deal, worth £1.14 billion, was signed by the Government and leaders of Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Derby and Derbyshire councils in August.
But a number of councillors said there was”not enough money on the table” as part of the agreement.
And one suggested that you could “just about buy a McDonald’s” with the funding allocated.
The plans would see a new regional mayor and new type of combined council created for the area from 2024.
On October 31 Nottingham City Council councillors formally agreed to go to public consultation on plans for the deal.
Cllr Graham Chapman (Lab), former leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “What I am going to say is not a criticism of this council, because I don’t think we have any other alternative but to sign up to this deal.
“But this deal which has been heralded as a token of government generosity and ambition is not what it seems.
“£1.14 billion over 30 years amounts to £16 per head per year. Over 30 years it isn’t index-linked so that amount will be about £5.
“You’ll just be able to buy a Mcdonald’s with it.
“There is no legal basis for a lot of it and in my view some of it the government will renege on.
“We’ve got austerity coming, plus inflation, and that will erode further any money that’s coming in our direction.”
He added that the positives of the deal were working with other councils in the region.
Councillor David Mellen, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “Is this a perfect deal? No. Is there enough money? No. But shall we make the imperfect the enemy of the good?
“No, I don’t believe we should. I think we should take the opportunity there is here, which others have described as just a start, work with it and say we need more.
“The alternative is to close the door on this and say it’s good enough for Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield, Leeds and Bristol, but no we don’t really want it in Nottingham thank you very much.
“I don’t believe that’s the right way and I think if we’re here to stand up for Nottingham, we need to take the money that is on offer even though it is not enough, because it’s a start.”
But Cllr Mellen said this was “just the beginning”, citing that Manchester now has resources and powers over public health.
Councillor Sam Webster added that he would support the plans to go to public consultation but said: “I don’t like the way the government is doing devolution deals.
“If it was me, or any one of us, we would do things in a different way.
“True, genuine devolution is not what is being offered in these hotch potch deals across the country. In my mind, they are confusing structures to the public, businesses and investors.
“The money being put forward is nothing to shout about.
“My view on it however, is that it’s a starting point. A billion pounds over 30 years for our region is next to nothing.
“However, it is a starting point on which to build.”
Councillor Andrew Rule (Con) added: “This provides an opportunity for the region to secure additional investment which would otherwise not have been available to it and stands Nottingham in place to receive its rightful share of the investment.
“In tandem with this are the initial powers that will be conferred on the elected mayor, which will bring about a more integrated approach across the region to transport, closer working between the region’s Police and Crime Commissioners in the delivery of law enforcement and improvements to regional housing strategy.”
Councillor Angharad Roberts (Lab) added: “I think this is a step forward for both devolution and investment in the region.
“I believe it is an opportunity to amplify Nottingham’s voice on the issues which matter most to our city.”
Councillor Ben Bradley (Con), Mansfield’s MP and leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, previously told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “For the man on the street, it means we can deliver better bus routes, better public transport, bring in new investment into jobs, and we will have the ability locally to set up the skills and the qualifications to support those jobs.
“That, in itself, is massive, along with the extra money for all the important services people need.”
Nottinghamshire County Councillors will discuss the devolution deal on Friday (November 4).
