ECONOMIC GROWTH

South-east Midlands eyes level two devolution deal

Talks are underway on a level two devolution deal for the south-east Midlands.

Talks are underway on a level two devolution deal for the south-east Midlands.

The two new Northamptonshire unitaries, the three councils covering the historic county of Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes Council view themselves as a single functional economic area.

Milton Keynes leader Peter Marland said there was ‘no appetite' for a directly-elected mayor but the region was ‘looking at options'.

Cllr Marland said discussions had not yet been held on a potential combined authority but he was keen for the region to have greater powers over health, policing and infrastructure.

He added: ‘We've been moving down the road of closer working but we don't want to set something up for the sake of setting it up.'

ECONOMIC GROWTH

Devo Bill to reintroduce supplementary vote in blow to Reform

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ECONOMIC GROWTH

London remade

By Jonathan Werran | 04 July 2025

London has a golden opportunity to reset and reform the relationship between its boroughs and the mayoralty. Just how bold and radical this reform will be de...

ECONOMIC GROWTH

Common sense Reform

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ECONOMIC GROWTH

Top Talent: Regeneration and Growth

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As part of our regular series on ‘rising stars’, we celebrate the regeneration and growth officers who have been nominated by their councils for having an im...

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