Hucknall: Councils across Nottinghamshire making a case for more power

Leaders from the nine councils in Nottinghamshire have submitted plans that would see them given devolved powers to improve investment in the economy, the environment and health.

In a paper to the joint City of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Economic Prosperity Committee, councils have outlined how they would work in partnership to help boost economic investment, improve the environment, and tackle health and educational inequalities across the city and county.

Nottingham and Nottinghamshire are aiming to be one of the government's pathfinder sites for devolution deals, the details of which will be outlined in the much anticipated 'levelling-up' white paper expected this autumn.

If a deal was to be agreed, powers would be handed equally to Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council to work in partnership with district councils to take responsibility from the government over major decisions and services that affect people in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

If successful, a devolution deal could result in extra powers and money from government to deliver a county and city-wide approach to improve investment in education and skills, transport and the environment, the economy and infrastructure, land and housing , health and social care, youth services and support to vulnerable young people and potentially much more.

Any devolution deal would not affect the status of the local councils who would continue to provide local services to their residents.

Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council Councillor Ben Bradley, MP said: "Councils in Nottinghamshire serve 1.1 million people. So many decisions that impact on their lives are decided in Westminster. This is our opportunity to bring those decisions closer to home, so they reflect the needs and ambitions of local businesses and communities here in the city and county, rather than 130 miles away.

"The right devolution deal would enable us to deliver economic and social prosperity across our city and county. We would use any powers to grow the private sector by attracting investment in jobs and make sure the skills needed match the sectors that invest in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. The long-term result would be to create jobs, raise living standards and to restore local pride. Devolution is also an opportunity to improve public services.

"Levelling up is not just about concrete infrastructure projects such as roads and rail. It needs to go hand in hand with improvements in the conditions for good quality health and education to improve the life chances of people in areas previously underfunded. This could transform the lives of people across Nottinghamshire."

The government has invited council leaders from areas across the country to show how they can work jointly on the new 'levelling-up' agenda, its initiative to make sure every area of the country has the powers and resources needed to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and achieve economic growth and prosperity.

Councillor David Mellen, Leader of Nottingham City Council said: "It's important that councils across Nottinghamshire work together to make the most of the possible opportunities that a devolution deal would represent to bring more investment, jobs and prosperity to the region and address the significant underfunding we have seen over many years.

"Local leaders want what's best for local people and we share common ground on a number of key issues.

"It's still really early days but the themes and priorities are emerging with a focus on transport and infrastructure, skills and employment, and climate change.

"The challenges we face are immense and partnership and collaboration is critical to improving both the long-term future of communities, and the day to day lives and prospects of local people".

Council leaders will consider a report at the next Economic Prosperity Committee to be held at 9am on Friday 29 October at Newark and Sherwood District Council's headquarters at Castle House.

For further information about the plans for devolution, please see here.