Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands has warmly welcomed the announcement of the English Devolution Bill, outlined in the King’s Speech today (Wednesday 17 June), which is set to unlock new powers for the region.
This transformative bill will unlock a range of opportunities for regional mayors, enabling them to deliver real, meaningful change for their communities. The English Devolution Bill promises to accelerate economic growth through improvements in transport, job creation, and the rapid development of housing and infrastructure.
Mayor Claire Ward said: “I wholeheartedly welcome the government’s commitment to greater devolution for the East Midlands. With the further powers that the Bill promises, we would be able to go further and faster on driving economic growth, creating more jobs, and tackling the pressing housing and infrastructure challenges facing our region.
“Additionally, the government’s commitment to Great British Railways in Derby, the historic home of the rail industry, is particularly encouraging. This will not only boost our local economy but also reaffirm Derby’s status as a vital hub for rail innovation and industry.
“The government’s commitment to ‘a decade of devolution’ will help bring prosperity to every corner of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, ensuring that the region can thrive and compete on a national scale after years of under-investment. The ambition to make our region the best place to live, to work and to learn has become more achievable following today’s King’s Speech.”
Mayor Claire Ward leads the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), an organisation dedicated to driving economic growth, improving public services, and enhancing the overall quality of life in the region. EMCCA plays a critical role in transforming the East Midlands by coordinating efforts across local councils, businesses, and community groups to deliver strategic projects and initiatives that benefit the entire region.
Published on: 17 July 2024
Categories: News