Public opinion sought on plans for Derby/Nottingham Combined Authority

A public consultation is under way regarding a £1.14 billion devolution plan for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire - including the cities of Derby and Nottingham.

It would create the East Midlands Combined Authority (EMCA) and an elected ‘metro mayor’ whose remit and powers would include transport, regeneration, and employment for the area, which has 2.2 million residents (similar to other Combined Authorities).

Economically, the region is the country’s seventh largest. The EMCA would enable more effective working on a larger scale across council boundaries.

Among the proposals, the EMCA would accelerate the delivery of smart, integrated ticketing across all local modes of transport, including rail, using an extra £0.5 million per year revenue funding in 2023-24 and 2024-25.

It would also work on mass transit opportunities, including integrating and expanding the Nottingham Express Transit network, in support of the East Midlands HS2 Growth Strategy.

Supported by all four councils, which have been working on detailed draft proposals since August, the package of new powers and funding would provide a guaranteed income of £38m per year, over 30 years. It would be the country’s largest investment fund and is supported by the Government as part of its ‘levelling-up’ policy.

If devolution is agreed, the Government will pass legislation to create the EMCA. The first election for a regional mayor would be in May 2024.

The EMCA would not replace the existing four ‘upper tier’ councils, or 15 district and borough councils. But all would transfer their transport powers to the CA.