EMCCA welcomes extra powers after government grants new status

The East Midlands Combined County Authority has welcomed additional powers after the Government granted it new status.

As an Established Mayoral Strategic Authority (EMSA), EMCCA now has the right to request new powers and responsibilities.

It also unlocks the ability for EMCCA to apply for a more flexible, integrated funding settlement – meaning greater local control over funding and decisions, rather than managing multiple separate funding streams.   

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, the figurehead of EMCCA, said: “This is a major milestone in our mission to make the East Midlands the best place to live, to work, and to learn.

“Established Status is also an important step towards our 2028 ambition. By then, EMCCA will have a broader and more influential role across the region. This includes taking on Police and Crime Commissioner, and Fire and Rescue Authority functions and governance and working even closer with our local councils and partners.

“With more powers and an integrated funding settlement to follow, we will be able to plan for the long-term, drive growth, and ensure opportunities are spread fairly across the region.”

Under Mayor Claire’s leadership, EMCCA has taken on responsibility for adult skills, become the region’s local transport authority and manages a long-term investment fund.

As an Established Mayoral Strategic Authority, it will have more powers to make decisions locally.

This includes greater control over local transport ticketing, a stronger role in shaping affordable housing programmes and increased responsibility for funding and support to help businesses start, grow and succeed.

Established Status also means EMCCA can ask government for additional powers and responsibilities in the future.

And it enables the authority to work towards joined-up funding from government, known as an ‘integrated settlement’.  

David Williams MBE, who is chair of law firm Geldards and EMCCA’s business advisory board said: “Businesses across the East Midlands need the right conditions to grow, such as good transport links, access to skilled people and clear, joined-up support.

“Established Status gives EMCCA greater ability to focus on these priorities and make decisions that reflect what our regional economy actually needs. 

“The East Midlands has huge potential. These new powers can help unlock more of it, supporting firms to invest and expand and ensuring more communities share in that success.”

Scott Knowles, chief executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “We’ve been calling for devolution to be delivered at pace for considerable time and enabling the East Midlands Combined County Authority to request greater control over funding decisions by having Established Mayoral Strategic Authority status is another significant step forward.

“Planning and decision making for local areas, like Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, is always going to be most effective when in the hands of people who live and breathe the area, know its needs and the growth opportunities first-hand – that’s why delivering more devolved powers to a region is essential for business.

“I look forward to working with the authority to ensure the best outcomes for the business community are met.”