Concerns have been raised that the creation of a new East Midlands Mayor will leave 'too much power' in the hands of one person. Critics also say the new role would be a "waste of money" and that the person elected to it could be "detached from local issues".
A public consultation has been held on plans to give more decision-making powers and money to Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. A new authority to manage this extra power and money will be created and, as part of the initial agreement signed last summer, this authority will be headed up by an elected mayor for the area.
The first mayor is due to be elected in May 2024, with powers over areas including local transport and housing. But despite widespread agreement on nearly all areas of the devolution plans, the way in which the new East Midlands authority will be governed failed to achieve majority support.
The consultation was carried out by market research company Ipsos and, in its full report on responses received, the organisation says many of those taking part thought a new mayor would be a "waste of money". The report says: "A total of 552 participants left comments in opposition to the proposed governance arrangements.
"The overriding reason for this was opposition towards the role of the mayor (199), as participants did not believe it is necessary. A further 127 participants went on to argue that a mayor would be a waste of money and an additional tier of local government, which would be expensive. There was also concern that a single post would have disproportionately too much power – 107 participants felt that power would be too concentrated in one individual."
Other concerns raised about the mayor in the consultation included the potential for conflicts of interest if a mayor is linked to a political party. Overall, 45% of the 4,869 people responding to the consultation disagreed with the governance proposals, with 42% agreeing.
The devolution agreement was signed by the leaders of Derby City Council, Derbyshire County Council, Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottingham City Council. The leader of the latter, Labour's Councillor David Mellen, said: "I am pleased that most respondents supported the plans for an East Midlands Combined County Authority (CCA).
"This deal would see us get the most powers and funding available and with that comes a regional mayor. Devolution has the potential to make a significant difference, and local people would see the real benefits from the investment to more and better jobs, housing, training and much more."
Nottinghamshire County Council leader Ben Bradley, who has not ruled out running for mayor himself, said having one is a condition of being given the amount of money and power set to be received in the East Midlands. But he has previously told Nottinghamshire Live that the new arrangements don't have to mean more politicians, suggesting the role of Police and Crime Commissioner could be scrapped in future.
But other points raised in the consultation included the fact that Nottingham previously voted against having a mayor for the city in 2012. Of the 23% of people who turned out in that referendum, 57% voted against having a Nottingham mayor and Nottingham City Council's then leader, Jon Collins, described the proposed role as "expensive and unnecessary".
Another concern raised in the consultation was that a new mayor would charge more council tax to fund the CCA. But Ben Bradley has previously said on this subject: "We have agreed formally that we're not going to do that.
"We've had that conversation with partners across districts and boroughs and upper tier authorities around the deal. We're all of the view that we're not going to do that. No mayor could come in and do that without the consent of those authorities."
A smaller number of those responding to the consultation did react positively to the idea for an East Midlands Mayor, with some saying the role would "provide a much needed voice and raise the profile" of the area. There was also widespread support for all other areas of the devolution plans, with some noting that they could "stimulate productivity, benefit the regional economy and lead to job creation."
Scott Knowles, the Chief Executive of the East Midlands Chamber, said: "Our region is home to a wide range of fantastic businesses, from industrial powerhouses with household names to university spin-outs that boast vast potential, and everything in between. What they now need is the political apparatus that removes any obstacles to national and local decision-making, enhances our ability to attract investment and ultimately creates a more business-friendly environment."
Ben Bradley added: "There are obviously differences of opinion in terms of a mayor. We can’t have the highest funding and most effective local powers, that people support, without one. So, I want to see find ways to meet the requirements set by the Government and take on board comments in the consultation, so we can get the best deal possible for the East Midlands.
"I'm confident that by working together we can make it a success. I look forward to seeing this become a reality, and the real improvements it will make to people's lives."
The process of establishing a 'shadow' East Midlands authority, preceding the formal set-up next year, is set to begin in April. As well as the Mayor, the current proposal is for the authority to contain two members from each of the four councils that signed the devolution agreement.
The Mayor and the members from the four councils would all have voting rights on the new authority, but non-voting members could also be appointed. In particular, the devolution agreement says that members representing the 15 district and borough councils across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire could be appointed.
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