Bondholders urged to have their say on regional spending priorities

Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward is urging Marketing Derby Bondholders to share their views on how billions of pounds of government cash should be spent in the region.

In the build-up to the launch of new plans to unlock economic growth, she will be holding a series of meetings, including one in Derby, where she will invite partners, stakeholders and community leaders to name what they would change to make the region stronger.

Over the past few months, Mayor Claire has secured more than £4 billion in government investment in the East Midlands, opening up the potential for nationally significant developments, business expansion, jobs growth, transport improvements and more housing.

The meetings will be held in Derby, Chesterfield and Nottingham – with the Derby session taking place on Tuesday 22 July.

Feedback from the sessions will help shape priorities to ensure that growth in the region is inclusive and benefits people and places right across the region.

Mayor Claire said: “We’ve got a really exciting future ahead—but we need to make sure that growth reaches everyone.

“That means more local jobs, tackling health inequalities, improving transport, and unlocking opportunities in every city, town, and village.

“The most important part of this process is hearing from you. Together, we can make the East Midlands the best place to live, to work and to learn.”

In addition to securing billions of pounds from the Government, the Mayor has also brought together a group of specialists who have been working with communities and talking to business, skills and health leaders about ways of opening up the benefits of growth to more people and places in the region.

This Inclusive Growth Commission will reveal its final recommendations in September, and shortly after that, the East Midlands Combined County Authority’s Local Growth Plan will be published, which will set out a roadmap for regional investment and the role the East Midlands will play in the UK’s wider growth ambitions.

Mayor Claire added: “As Mayor, I’ve secured more than £4 billion in investment to drive growth in the region.

“The scale of the investment we will be making in the East Midlands puts us at the heart of the country’s future, but this is not the end of the story.

“I want everyone to be part of this economy and to feel the benefits of their contribution.

“That means investing in a way which creates good jobs, thriving places, and an enabling, reliable transport network. This is growth held to higher standards: inclusive growth.

“One of the characteristics of inclusive growth is that the people who create the prosperity – you – get to say what good looks like.

“So, I’m inviting you to tell us: sign up to one of our summer events, think about our outline plans, and tell me what you think.

“Working together, we can turn our region into the best place to live, work, and learn.”

To sign up for the Derby session, which will take place on Tuesday 22 July, from 2pm to 4pm, click here.