A Government decision to apply ‘established’ status to the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is ‘another significant step forward’ for devolution, East Midlands Chamber has said, adding that it could mean a boost for business support and local decision making.
Established Mayoral Strategic Authority (EMSA) status gives the East Midlands Combined County Authority the right to request additional powers; apply for flexible, integrated funding and have a greater level of control over funding decisions. The status can be given to a devolved authority that has been led by a mayor for at least 18 months and has built a strong track record of performance.
The decision follows a recent Government announcement that some revenue from income tax and business rates is to be allocated to regional mayors for local investment from Spring 2027.
Prioritising long-term funding settlements is one of the key devolution asks in East Midlands Chamber’s Framework for Growth – its landmark publication released at the end of 2025, outlining policy proposals to unlock the full growth potential of the region.
East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles 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.
“Following the recent decision to allocate some revenue from income tax and business rates to the Mayor of the East Midlands, EMCCA being granted Established Mayoral Strategic Authority status is another win for devolution in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, aligned to the policy asks set out in our Framework for Growth.
“I look forward to working with the Authority to ensure the best outcomes for the business community are met.”
View East Midlands Chamber’s Framework for Growth here.
