We are delighted to announce that the proposed East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) has achieved a huge milestone in its development after key legislation was approved in Westminster late on Thursday 26 October.
The Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill has been granted Royal Assent after completing its passage through Parliament, paving the way for the creation of the EMCCA and the region’s very first Mayoral elections next May.
Derbyshire County Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Derby City Council and Nottingham City Council (the four Upper Tier authorities in our region) will now decide whether to move forward with devolution plans, with decisions expected before the end of the year.
The East Midlands devolution deal, agreed with Government ministers in August 2022, would see the D2N2 region benefit from £1.14 billion of funding to invest in local projects related to transport, education and skills, housing, the environment and economic development.
D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership has been working closely with the four Upper Tier authorities to prepare for the new EMCCA and we’ve been supporting the setting up process, drawing on our huge experience of convening policies such as low carbon economic growth, and people & skills strategy across the D2N2 region.
Elizabeth Fagan, Chair, D2N2 LEP said: “I’m delighted that the East Midlands devolution deal has achieved Royal Assent in Parliament. This is an important step that paves the way for the establishment of the new East Midlands Combined County Authority. We will continue to work with our businesses, colleges and universities across our region to ensure our key stakeholders are engaged in the establishment of the new EMCCA and ensure a strong economic and inward investment strategy for low carbon economic growth, skills, transport and housing.”
Will Morlidge, Chief Executive, D2N2 LEP said: “This is a big deal for our region. It will mean more funding and opportunities for the people who live and work in the D2N2 region and will put us in the top tier of combined authorities because we’ll have a stronger voice and more powers. We’ll continue to engage with all our stakeholders on this exciting journey towards establishing our new East Midlands Combined County Authority and I’m really excited about what the future holds for our region.”
The EMCCA – spanning two counties and cities – would be the first combined county authority in the country, with a new elected regional mayor at the helm, representing around 2.2 million people.
In terms of funding so far, £18 million has been awarded to the area as early investment during devolution negotiations, which is being spent on improving local housing, transport and skills provision. More funding is expected to become available once the EMCCA is formed.
And earlier this month, the Government announced around £1.5 billion in transport funding for the East Midlands Mayor, who would be in place from May 2024.
Thanks to devolution proposals, the East Midlands has been invited to establish an Investment Zone, which will attract £80 million of support over five years, with tax incentives for businesses to help boost economic growth right across the region.
Further investment to boost local projects across the region would also be provided through annual Whitehall budgets and spending reviews.
Devolution plans for the East Midlands are similar to those already in place across other mayoral regions like Greater Manchester, the West Midlands and South Yorkshire.
D2N2 LEP will continue to work with businesses, colleges and universities in the D2N2 region to ensure a strong voice for our stakeholders in the establishment of the new combined authority for the East Midlands.
Find out more about East Midlands devolution
For media enquiries, contact:
Nicola Swaney
Head of External Affairs, D2N2 LEP
Nicola.Swaney@d2n2lep.org
