An overhaul of Derbyshire's governance could be on the cards as county leaders explore the possibility of establishing a directly-elected mayor in a bid to gain maximum powers as part of a devolution deal.

Derbyshire and Derby were among nine areas to have been offered County Deals, which would see devolved powers passing down from on high to a more local level as part of the Government’s Levelling Up white paper.

A report into the County Deals presented to Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet on Thursday (7 April) explained that authorities have the opportunity to secure greater powers with governance and decision-making models grouped into three levels.

The top level would require a directly-elected mayor, while the lower levels would give the option of a directly-elected leader or a joint committee. 

The report states: “This provides a flexible set of governance options, but with clear incentives to move towards a model with a directly-elected mayor.”

It stipulates that while involvement of district authorities would be encouraged, the deals would only be agreed with county and unitary local authorities.

Derbyshire County Council has been in discussions with the Government alongside Derby City Council, Nottinghamshire County and Nottingham City Councils since mid-February this year, and has submitted a template outlining its preferred devolution deal.

The report states: “Discussions to date have been very positive, with the Government keen to explore proposals and options to extend the wider level three tier powers to the area though a potential mayoral combined authority (MCA). 

“Further discussions to progress negotiations will take place over forthcoming weeks and it is likely that the negotiation process will progress at pace.”

Previous attempts to secure devolution have failed, leading to underinvestment and the East Midlands area falling behind its neighbours in Greater Manchester, South Yorkshire and the West Midlands.

Addressing Cabinet, Leader Barry Lewis said the authority was moving forward in full confidence at this point.

Councillor Kewal Singh Athwal added: “It’s an opportunity which is too good to miss, so we should do everything possible to be part of it.”

The Derbyshire and Derby area is keen to be on of the first to be awarded a deal in Autumn this year, as if this is not the case, it will most likely have to wait until 2024.

Read more from the Glossop Chronicle

Click here for more of the latest news

Click here to read the latest edition of the paper online

Click here to find out where you can pick up a copy of the paper