East Midlands Chamber is urging businesses in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire to get their voices heard by taking part in a consultation over devolution plans.
The four upper-tier local authorities in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire last week launched a public consultation into proposals to establish an East Midlands County Combined Authority.
Set to be formed in 2024, the overarching authority would give the two counties more decision-making powers on areas such as transport, adult skills training, and the environment, as well as bring £1.14bn in extra funding over a 30-year period.
The consultation, running from 14 November until 9 January, is open to residents, businesses, community and voluntary groups, and other organisations in the region.
East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “The devolution deal for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire is a huge opportunity by providing a political structure that removes obstacles to decision-making, enhances the ability to attract investment and ultimately creates an environment conducive to business growth.
“It will help these counties to take strides forward in productivity and innovation, enabling firms to drive the economic growth that creates jobs and wealth locally.
“Devolution also gives businesses a greater say over what happens in their area as they will be represented within the proposed governance structure.
“The Chamber is supporting these plans to create a mayoral county combined authority, but it’s important the full business community’s views are heard so we would urge organisations of all shapes and sizes to get involved with the consultation.”
The leaders of Derbyshire County Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Derby City Council and Nottingham City Council signed up to work on a devolution deal on 30 August this year at the Rolls-Royce factory in Derby, following an announcement from the Government that a package of new powers and funding worth £1.14bn were available for the area.
Since then, the councils have been working on agreeing a more detailed proposal for consultation, which includes more information about how devolution would work in the two counties. The public consultation, which features a survey, represents the next step in the process, allowing everyone the chance to give their views on proposals.
To take part in the consultation, visit www.eastmidlandsdevolution.co.uk