A public consultation about a £1.14 billion devolution plan for Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby, and Nottingham has begun.  

The consultation runs until 9 January 2023 and is open to residents, businesses, community and voluntary groups, and other organisations in the region. 

The four councils are supporting devolution which would provide the region with £38 million per year over a 30-year period. 

If a devolution deal is formally approved, legislation would be needed to create a new combined authority and there would also be an elected mayor for the region. 

Existing local councils would remain and still be responsible for most public services with the mayor and combined authority focussing on wider issues like transport, regeneration, and employment across both cities and counties. 

Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, said: “Devolution is about getting a better deal for Derbyshire and the East Midlands and achieving a fair share for our region.  

“It will bring us more money and mean we can make more meaningful decisions here, rather than in London. 

“This deal will bring more and better jobs and opportunities for training, improve the local economy, result in better transport and housing, and accelerate our route to Net Zero. I encourage everyone to take part in the consultation and give us their views on devolution. 

“A devolution deal, should it be agreed, would be the beginning, not the end. We’re determined to build on this deal over time, as other areas have done." 

More information about the consultation, and a link to the online survey, are available online: www.eastmidlandsdevolution.co.uk/have-your-say 

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