Council leaders welcome Government announcement of 'final stage' LLR Devo talks

Leicestershire and Rutland council leaders have welcomed news that Government ‘is in the final stages of agreeing a Devolution agreement for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR).

The Budget Paper: Breathing Space for today, Fresh hope for the future - released by Government today - states that it is agreeing 10 new Devo deals - including one for LLR.

Referring to Devolution in chapter 4 of the document -entitled Good Growth In Every Postcode - the paper states: “This new model of government will be structurally embedded for the long term, and local people will be given the power to hold local leaders to account.”

It goes on to list the 10 areas, which also includes Devon, Plymouth and Torbay; Hertfordshire; Lancashire; Stoke and Staffordshire; Surrey; Thames Valley (Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Swindon); and Wessex.

The announcement was quickly welcomed by local authority leaders in the region.

'Vital powers'

Leicestershire County Council leader, Cllr Dan Harrison, said: “Today we’re a step further in securing the vital powers and funding that we need locally.

"A new mayor brings new money and the new Strategic Authority is the strongest platform for growth, investment and reform.”

Councillor Christine Wise, leader of Rutland County Council, said: “If Devolution succeeds in transferring more funding and autonomy to local areas, it could have a transformative effect.

"Important decisions that impact Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland should be made closer to home, in a joined-up way, by those who know and understand our area.”

'Significant benefits'

Charnwood Borough Council leader, Cllr Jewel Miah, said: “I welcome the Government's announcement and firmly believe a Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA) would bring significant benefits to Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, including for residents and businesses in Charnwood.

“Businesses and universities need the right conditions to grow, including skilled workers, strong transport links and investment in infrastructure.

“A Mayoral Strategic Authority would give our area a stronger voice with Government and help secure the funding and powers needed to support economic growth.

“We want local firms and residents across Charnwood to benefit from new investment and greater opportunities.”

There has yet to be a detailed timetable confirmed, but LLR councils will work with Government on the detail.

Devolution Leicestershire is campaigning for an MSA in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland in order to attract future investment.

Founded earlier this year, the industry-education-VCSE coalition aims to accelerate a Devolution deal for Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland - and to press for fair Government funding for LLR while the Devo deal is done.