Comment: 'LLR can't be allowed to become a Devolution desert’

Recent weeks have seen headlines about billions of pounds of investment and funding being secured in devolved regions across England.

Examples include Liverpool City Region’s Integrated Settlement, West Midlands’ Futures Fund, West of England’s Investment Proposal, and - in the East Midlands - EMCCA’s Local Growth Fund.

“All of the announcements have one thing in common,” said Chamber Policy Director Richard Blackmore.

“Devolution. The situation in the Tees Valley - a smaller region by population than Leicester and Leicestershire - underlines the opportunities currently being denied here.

“'Devolution deserts’ are now appearing across England in areas that do not have a deal in place.

"This is leading to reduced funding and investment. We cannot allow this in Leicester and Leicestershire.

“The effect was shown in the Chamber’s own research - reported in the April edition of Business Network - which further demonstrated the state funding void opening up between areas with devolution agreements and those without.

“It’s something that our Leicester and Leicestershire partners, across a range of sectors, are starting to feel the impact of.

“The region’s devolution plan requires action, not just for when devolution is obtained but also for the period leading to it.

“There are signs that there are things starting to happen in the background. For example, conversations around developing a Local Growth Plan are under way, with the Leicester and Leicestershire Business and Skills Partnership Board also discussing the potential of a business support programme.

“This is something, but - while this all happens - there are other regions edging in front of Leicester and Leicestershire.

“There is only so much that can be done without the transfer of powers from Whitehall to devolved regions and, as the weeks and months pass, this is becoming more evident in Leicester and Leicestershire”.