Special meeting to decide on devolution options for Chesterfield

Chesterfield Borough Council will meet next week to decide which of two devolution deals would bring the most benefits for the town’s residents and businesses.

The council has played an active part in helping to negotiate two deals, which would devolve powers and responsibilities currently held by the Government in London to a more local level. These include powers and funding to deal with issues such as housing, skills and training, business support and transport.

Chesterfield is being asked to choose between:

• a devolution deal already agreed with the Government for the Sheffield City Region, which would include an additional £900 million of funding to the city region over 30 years or
• a potential North Midlands deal, which is in the late stages of discussions ahead of an anticipated agreement from the Government. This deal would see a similar range of powers brought to Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

The deals will be given to, and be managed by combined authorities, which are groups of local councils in each local area. Under Government proposals these authorities would be led by an elected mayor.

Five councils, including Chesterfield Borough Council, cover areas that could benefit from either devolution deal due to the current overlap between the Sheffield City Region and North Midlands areas. These include Bolsover District Council, Derbyshire Dales District Council and North East Derbyshire District Council in Derbyshire and Bassetlaw District Council in Nottinghamshire.

Any choice made by councillors when they meet at the Town Hall in Chesterfield at 5pm on Thursday 3 March will then be subject to public consultation before the Government makes the final decision.

Councillor John Burrows, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “It is important to be clear on what this debate is and isn’t about.

“It is not a debate about whether Chesterfield remains in the geographical boundaries of Derbyshire. We are proud to be in Derbyshire and will stay in Derbyshire irrespective of the outcome of these discussions.

“It is also not a debate about losing any of our council’s current powers and responsibilities or about the role of Chesterfield’s civic mayor.

“What this debate is about is what is best for our economy, for the jobs and training prospects of our residents, for the future sustainability and growth of our businesses, as well as access to millions of pounds worth of investment.

“At the moment many of the powers that we need are held by the Government. We are therefore being asked how best these powers and the accompanying money can be devolved down to a more local level that is in the own self-interest of the people of Chesterfield.”

A report by council officers says that both options have advantages and disadvantages for Chesterfield but, on balance, is recommending that councillors apply to become a full member of the Sheffield City Region devolution deal – known as a constituent member – and also apply to have non-constituent membership of any North Midlands devolution deal that is agreed.

The report says this is because:

• the Sheffield City Region deal is already agreed with the Government and has the necessary administrative team in place to take advantage of the opportunities quickly
• it offers the potential to bring more money to Chesterfield and Derbyshire’s economy
• it provides Chesterfield with a more equal say when funding is being allocated as there are fewer councils sat around the table making decisions
• the town’s economy, including business, commuter and leisure links, is much more closely linked to Sheffield and surrounding cities than to Derby, Nottingham and other southern areas of both counties.

Councillor Burrows added: “Although there is a recommendation from officers it is up to councillors – as the elected representatives of the public – to decide on the night which partnership and deal offers the best prospects for our town after hearing all the arguments during the debate.

“To get a devolution deal in either area the Government has insisted that an elected mayor is created. This mayor would not impact in any way on Chesterfield’s civic mayor but would have oversight of the new powers devolved from the Government and would campaign on behalf of the area for greater devolution in the future.

“Whichever deal we chose to be part of we know that we will need to accept an elected mayor that covers a wider area than just Chesterfield or indeed Derbyshire.

“The choice councillors make on the night will be the beginning rather than the end of a process. A public consultation will give all residents and businesses their say on the devolution options that best fit the needs of Chesterfield. Only when that process is complete will the Government make a final decision.”

A copy of the report assessing the options open to councillors can be seen at www.chesterfield.gov.uk by clicking on the Devolution Deal button at the bottom of the page.

Further information about both the devolution deals can be seen at www.sheffieldcityregiondevolution.org.uk and www.northmidlands.gov.uk