I am incredibly proud that WE have brought it forward to initiate much-needed debate. While I still firmly believe that this decision to combine with BLMK does not put our residents first, I remain hopeful that the Government will recognise the importance of the six unitaries combining and honour their original criteria for devolution as outlined in their white paper. We don’t just stand to lose greater investment in our areas, but in our people.
I agree with Cllr David Hopkins—we should focus on the shared interests, goals, and outcomes for all six authorities on the South Midlands Authorities Board, prioritising our historical, business, and social connections to form the dynamic core of a thriving new sub-regional economy.
I agree with Cllr Peter Geary—we are jeopardising our chance to be included in the priority devolution programme because we don’t meet the scale set by the government, and we aim to lose millions of investments.
The council leader highlighted very clearly why its not viable to work with Northants – I could list down a list of reasons why I believe that BLMK could be a strain.
Luton being landlocked and with a higher need for housing has meant that other authorities have had to accommodate their needs. In the last central Beds local plan they had to include 8000 houses for Luton.
Just yesterday, the Lib Dems in Central Beds expressed their frustration with the ICB's inefficiencies, particularly regarding the East London Foundation Trust's withdrawal from its contract to manage the Leighton Road practice.
But let’s focus on the positives stemming from SEMLEP. Their capital investment program, has generated 5,529 jobs, assisted 5,523 learners, and facilitated 4,692 homes.
Northants ICB positives: Northants was only just recently commended by HSJ for their excellence in digitising, connecting, and transforming health and care.
We know no one gets everything right, and that working relationships can be challenging, but working together we have been successful in supporting this region.
I can’t stress enough the importance of the relationships we have built with all 6 unitaries, and more so with Northamptonshire over 12 years with SEMLEP and now South Midlands Authorities and what it has delivered for this region. It shouldn’t be overlooked by any means.
As a local authority, our responsibility should always be about putting the needs of our residents first, their concerns, and their future at the heart of every decision we make. Unfortunately, leaving out Northamptonshire does not feel like a decision that has been made with that priority in mind. We will always be better together.
