“Time to get on with devolution”, urges Milton Keynes City Council Leader
The City Council is continuing to back plans for a new Strategic Mayoral Authority with neighbouring councils and is urging for devolution to begin.
The Leader of Milton Keynes City Council has reiterated her support for a new Strategic Mayoral Authority covering Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK). It comes in response to the Government's call for councils to confirm their preferred approach to devolution - the transfer of power from central government to regional, local, or subnational authorities.
Councillor Jane Carr, Leader of Milton Keynes City Council said: "A strategic authority covering Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes is the logical choice and offers the best opportunity to secure more powers, greater investment and better outcomes for local people.
“It is time to get on with devolution now so our residents and businesses don't miss out on the benefits that it can deliver."
The Government first announced plans to transfer power away from Whitehall into the hands of local leaders in 2024.
A strategic authority would give local leaders greater influence over decisions currently made by the central government, including transport, housing, skills, infrastructure, investment and economic growth, working closely with a directly elected Mayor. The authority would not replace existing councils.
The idea is that decisions could then be made closer to the communities they affect, reflecting local priorities.
Milton Keynes City Council has formally backed a BLMK Strategic Mayoral Authority as its preferred option for devolution since June 2025. It says it believes it to be the most effective way to secure more power, funding and investment for the area.