Devolution deals have been announced for areas up and down the country, and those which have them are already beginning to reap the benefits.
All areas have highlighted how Devolution – devolving powers and budgets from central Government control to regional areas – will lead to faster and better decision-making, which will create growth and more jobs – and the East Midlands cannot afford to be left behind.
That’s the message which has been jointly sent out today (December 8) to thousands of businesses across the D2N2 area – of Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire – by local authorities, business organisations including the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and East Midlands Chamber, supporting businesses and others.
The 19 local authorities in the D2N2 area, with the full support of the LEP and business partners, have been negotiating with Government for an East Midlands Devolution Deal. Discussions are now at a detailed stage.
With the Government’s Cities and Local GovernmentDevolution Bill now approaching the end of its passage through Parliament, the partners behind the East Midlands Devolution Deal have sent a short briefing to thousands of D2N2 area businesses, to rally support for a Deal here.
The briefing details the following for businesses:
‘What difference will it make to your business?
As a business, you need a workforce with the right skills, the ability to move your goods around without congestion and delays, decent places for your workforce to live and the ability to get hold of cash to help you grow.
All of the powers that can influence these key drivers are included in the East Midlands deal.
Standing up for the East Midlands
The Northern Powerhouse is already firmly established and some of the areas within it have also secured Devolution deals, as has the West Midlands.
An East 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.
What would happen if we don’t get a Devolution deal?
The benefits outlined above won’t materialise. That would see us lagging behind other areas in the UK.The East Midlands would be perceived as lacking both ambition, and the ability to compete and deliver the conditions for business to flourish.’
The partners’ joint briefing goes on to say what businesses can now do to help:
‘Securing an East Midlands Devolution Deal is a complex process which has involved 19 local authorities working together, along with the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership and other business bodies.
We need everyone to get involved in backing the region and the deal.
Speak to your MP and make sure that they are backing the region.’
To view a copy of the area’s Devolution Prospectus – showing its detailed proposals for how it would use devolved powers to enhance transport, planning, economic growth, skills and training, and a range of other areas – go to the web link HERE.
Media wanting further information about the work of the D2N2 LEP can contact Sean Kirby, D2N2 Communications Manager, on 0115 9578749 or email: sean.kirby@d2n2lep.org
