More homes, better high streets and support for businesses are on the way as six fast-tracked devolution areas have secured multi-billion-pound funding from the Government.
Ministers have confirmed almost £6bn over the next 30 years, with almost £200m to be shared each year by the places on the Devolution Priority Programme - which will see them get their own mayors.
The new mayors can spend this funding flexibly on local priorities to boost their area’s economy to create lasting jobs and opportunities.
Minister for Devolution, Faith and Communities, Miatta Fahnbulleh MP said: “This money will help transform communities for the better as part of our Plan for Change.
“It will help new mayors achieve what their areas’ want most. This is how devolution improves lives across the country.”
Once mayors are in post, the six areas will get the 30-year Investment funds as part of a wider package of devolved powers and funding in areas like transport, planning and skills.
Areas receiving funds
- Cheshire and Warrington (pictured above) Combined Authority: £21.7m per year
- Cumbria Combined Authority: £11.1m per year
- Greater Essex Combined County Authority: £41.5m per year
- Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority: £44.6m per year
- Norfolk and Suffolk Combined County Authority: £37.4m per year
- Sussex and Brighton Combined County Authority: £38m per year
All six regions will also receive £3m each as a minimum over the next three financial years, in addition to an initial £1m payment in the coming months, to help with the costs of establishing the new mayoral authorities.
Four of the areas are currently reorganising their local councils into stronger unitary authorities, to create simpler, more effective structures that can better support mayors’ powers.
These areas are Greater Essex, Hampshire and the Solent, Norfolk and Suffolk, and Sussex and Brighton. New unitary councils in the four areas are expected to be established in 2028.
In order to make sure strong foundations are in place ahead of devolution, ministers have today (5 December) confirmed they are considering holding inaugural mayoral elections in these areas in May 2028, with areas completing the reorganisation process before Mayors take office.
Ministers will continue to work with both areas to bring forward the legislation to create their mayoral authorities, the Government said.
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