I move this motion, with both a sense of duty and frustration. This is a hugely important issue for our region, yet it’s one this administration chose not to bring to this Council for open discussion.
Devolution offers us the chance to secure transformational investment, take control of key decisions, and unlock the potential of localised powers for the benefit of our communities. But instead of leading this important conversation, it’s been left to us to bring it forward.
The Labour Government’s criteria for devolution could not be clearer—Any area wanting to access the programme must have a combined population of at least 1.5 million or above to form a Mayoral Strategic Authority. The original South East Midlands proposal—6 unitaries—met this requirement with a population of 1.7 million.
Yet, at the eleventh hour, this administration pulled out the 2 Northamptonshire authorities. What’s left is a fragmented proposal of Bedford, Luton, and Milton Keynes, with fewer than 1 million people.
Whilst this falls short in the criteria set by government, It also falls disastrously short in ambition.
SEMLEP’s £265million Local Growth Fund (LGF) investment programme has funded by 55 capital projects across the area between 2015 and 2021, and it has been used to support business growth and productivity, fund new transport schemes and homes, and generate new jobs and opportunities for students. That amount of funding became available because there were six unitaries involved.
By submitting an EOI with just BLMK, the council fails to acknowledge the importance of this relationship and also fails meet the required population figures. It jeopardises our inclusion in the entire programme. Why are we setting ourselves up to fail risking investment and growth ?
The leader admitted in a letter to West Northamptonshire Council that they agreed to submit an Expression of Interest, which included the Northamptonshire councils, only because they believed a non-Mayoral Combined Authority was an option. This U-turn, certainly wasn’t made for residents.
Doing nothing isn’t an option. But doing the wrong thing is just as bad, if not worse. That’s why this motion calls for a democratically elected mayor. Someone chosen by the people. Someone they can hold to account. Someone who will fight for our region’s fair share.
I urge you to support this motion, because it’s the right thing to do for the people of Milton Keynes.
