Councils split over potential devolution deals

Councils in Bedfordshire along with the authority in Milton Keynes are expected to put forward a joint expression of interest to form a new strategic authority as part of the government's devolution priority programme.

The BBC understands Luton, Bedford, Central Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes will tell the government they want to move forward, but without West and North Northamptonshire Councils, who had been part of initial talks to set up an authority for the South Midlands.

In a joint statement, two of the councils, Luton and Milton Keynes, said they had "a duty to maximise the benefits of creating a mayoral strategic authority" using conditions they feel "give us the best chance of delivering improvements and positive change to our communities".

But the two Northamptonshire councils decided on Thursday night that they wanted to continue to express an interest in being part of the new authority.

A joint statement from Milton Keynes City Council and Luton Council said: "With a combined population (in Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes) of over one million, they have excellent partnerships and connections in place including through our long-standing joint health and care services."

They added: "This strength is an opportunity to bring real change to the lives of our residents through greater access to better jobs, improved integrated health and social care, more affordable housing with appropriate infrastructure, better public transport, and increased sustainability."

However, the Conservative leader of North Northamptonshire Council, Jason Smithers, told the BBC he had met with ministers earlier this week and was told a South Midlands combined authority "was the right regional area".

"I think there is some small political play going on between Milton Keynes and Luton and I am extremely disappointed by this," he said.

"It is very hard to see where Northamptonshire would be placed."

A combined authority enables two or more existing councils to work together and make decisions across normal boundaries.

Powers and resources would be devolved to them from national government, and it could mean more money for transport and housing.

The government white paper, published last month, required a statement of interest from councils by 10 January if they wished to be part of the Devolution Priority Programme - which could see major restructuring of local government as early as 2026 and in some areas would include elected mayors.

The government has said strategic authorities should be of comparable size to existing institutions and the assumption is they will have a combined population of 1.5 million or above, but in some places, smaller authorities may be necessary.

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