Milton Keynes council leader says BLMK only devolution proposal considered for region
Pressure is being applied by Milton Keynes City Council and Luton Borough Council to persuade Central Bedfordshire Council and Bedford Borough Council to tow the party line on devolution for the local area.
The Government has made it clear that an arrangement between the four is all it is prepared to allow in agreeing to a future regional strategic authority.
Bedford Mayor Tom Wootton spoke against what he labelled ‘Labour’s proposal to create a sub-scale mayoral authority’ which excludes Northamptonshire.
The fear is a Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK) regional authority would put rural areas in Bedford borough and Central Bedfordshire at the mercy of Milton Keynes and Luton urban area priorities.
Liberal Democrat leader of Milton Keynes City Council Cllr Jane Carr said: “The government has made its position clear.
“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.
“Milton Keynes, Bedford, Central Bedfordshire and Luton have the ambition, talent and potential to achieve far more together than we can alone.
"I urge all leaders to put residents first, seize this opportunity, and work together to secure the investment and influence our region deserves.”
The leaders of Milton Keynes and Luton borough are urging their counterparts in Bedford and Central Bedfordshire to work together to keep the region’s devolution opportunity on track, said a Luton Borough Council statement.
“After a meeting with the four council leaders earlier this week, Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution Jim McMahon wrote to confirm the government believes BLMK offers the strongest basis for devolution,” it read.
“It’s the only option that could realistically achieve local consensus within the required timescales. He has asked all four authorities to confirm by Monday (October 26) whether they wish to proceed.
“Luton and Milton Keynes remain committed to progressing this opportunity, which would bring vital investment, greater local influence over transport and skills, and new opportunities for residents and businesses across the region.
“The leaders are urging all four authorities to recognise the importance of the decision and commit to working together to take the proposal forward in the interests of residents.
“Bedford and Central Bedfordshire haven’t agreed to proceed on the BLMK footprint, leaving the whole area at risk of missing out.
"The government has confirmed a new BLMK strategic authority would receive an investment fund and finance to establish the capacity needed to operate.”
Analysis by consultants Metro Dynamics suggests a BLMK devolution framework could unlock around £186 million a year in funding for the region.
The statement added: “Returning to pre-pandemic rates of economic growth could unlock an extra £52bn for the BLMK economy by 2035.
“A BLMK-wide approach could help connect major opportunities across the region, from the growth of London Luton Airport and the proposed Universal theme park project to future growth in Milton Keynes East and the proposed new town at Tempsford.”