The Chamber continues to have regular conversations at all levels of government – locally, regionally and nationally – about the need for a clear and ambitious devolution settlement for Leicester and Leicestershire.
Chief executive Scott Knowles said the Government’s recent decision on Local Government Reorganisation – and which proposals it wants to take forward – paved the way for work to start on planning for the emergence of new unitary authorities in 2028.
He said: “However, this is separate to devolution, and the investment disparity facing Leicester and Leicestershire, compared with strategic mayoral authorities across England, has formed the basis of many of my recent meetings with the city and county’s MPs.”
‘The devolution conversation needs to be ongoing and purposeful’
Over recent weeks, the Chamber has met with Liz Kendall, MP for Leicester West, Dr Luke Evans, MP for Hinckley and Bosworth, Shockat Adam, MP for Leicester South, Shavani Raja, MP for Leicester East, and Amanda Hack, MP for North West Leicestershire.
“The current devolution situation was acknowledged, and all of the MPs I met with have had concerns raised with them by businesses and organisations within their constituencies,” added Scott.
“The question of what happens until Leicester and Leicestershire strikes a devolution deal – or what will be provided instead – came up in all of the conversations. This is because the likely timescale for full devolution will be measured in years.
“Gathering the support of our MPs, of all parties, is crucial to moving towards a successful outcome that puts Leicester and Leicestershire back on an equal footing with devolved regions.
“For that reason, I’ll be maintaining contact with all of the MPs I’ve already met, while also looking to secure meetings with those whom I’ve yet to speak to.
“If Leicester and Leicestershire wants to secure optimum funding and greater local decision-making powers – and to determine the area’s own direction – then the devolution conversation needs to be ongoing and purposeful. It simply can’t be on hold until whenever local government reorganisation delivery is finally completed.”
