Devolution deadline passes without full commitment to BLMK strategic authority model
No agreement has been reached yet about a devolution deal for Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes (BLMK), after a government deadline passed yesterday (Monday).
Divided opinions about the best arrangements for a strategic mayoral authority for the region have left uncertainty surrounding a potential £186 million annual pledge from central government.
This includes an estimated £23m per year specifically reserved for critical local infrastructure, while a coordinated strategic approach is projected to unlock an extra £52 billion in economic value by 2035.
While Milton Keynes City Council and Luton Borough Council want to push ahead with the offer on the table, Bedford Borough Council and Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) are less enthusiastic about the financial incentives.
Within the individual local authorities, there are mixed political viewpoints, adding to the deadlock. The Labour and Liberal Democrat groups on all four councils have committed to the BLMK footprint arrangement.
Liberal Democrat leader of Milton Keynes City Council councillor Jane Carr has linked with Lib Dem group leaders across the other three authorities in urging Bedford Borough and Central Beds to commit to the BLMK pathway.
In a letter to the devolution minister, they explained: “We believe devolution could make a real difference to residents’ lives.
“It would help create more opportunities for local people, improve access to jobs and skills, and ensure decisions about transport, public services and investment better reflect the needs of our communities.
“We believe it’s important that this opportunity isn’t lost. We want to take the next steps together, so our residents and businesses don’t miss out on the benefits it can deliver.
“The four authorities have a strong track record of working together on shared priorities already, including future growth and development.
“This is supported by established partnerships across public services, including joint working on health and social care, and police and fire services operating across the wider Bedfordshire area. Devolution would build on these relationships.”
Councillor Carr said previously: “BLMK is the only devolution proposal being considered for our region.
“This is a major opportunity to bring new investment, powers and decision-making closer to our communities.We can either come together and shape our own future, or risk watching other areas move ahead while we miss out.
“The economic case is compelling, the benefits are clear and the cost of standing still could be enormous.”
But CBC leader and Independent Potton councillor Adam Zerny posted on social media that he wrote to the government “declining its present devolution offer.”
West Northamptonshire Council, North Northamptonshire Council, and Bedford Borough Council wish to work with CBC, alongside Luton and Milton Keynes, he said on Facebook.
“The government’s present position is it’s only prepared to consider an area enclosing Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes. I’ve said that our door remains open to further talks.”
Conservative Bedford Mayor Tom Wootton continues to back the six-authority devolution version, while acknowledging he needs more detail.
Independent Sharnbrook councillor Doug McMurdo said on social media: “The BLMK model has, to my knowledge, been the option preferred by Bedford Borough Council for some time.
“My rationale for the BLMK area is where synergies or cooperation exists presently. My own experience is we’ve historical relations and ties to the east, not the west.
“With a population of just under 900,000 and a projected growth forecast of about 1.3m, that’s not far off the government’s optimum at 1.5m.”