The Council of West Northamptonshire Council met on Thursday 9 January 2025 to discuss devolution options for the region. The council agreed in principle to progress towards establishing a Mayoral Strategic Authority with its South Midlands partner authorities and to join the Devolution Priority Programme.

Devolution Options for West Northamptonshire

The primary item of business was the discussion of devolution options for West Northamptonshire, stemming from the Government's English Devolution White Paper. Councillor Adam Brown, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council, introduced the report, which outlined the potential benefits and risks of establishing a Mayoral Strategic Authority with partner authorities including Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes, and North Northamptonshire. The report recommended joining the Devolution Priority Programme, which would provide additional support and capacity to establish a Mayoral Strategic Authority with elections potentially held in May 2026.

During the discussion, councillors acknowledged the merits of regional collaboration but expressed concerns about the potential loss of local powers and the introduction of an additional layer of bureaucracy. Some councillors felt that devolution might not automatically improve residents' lives and that the proposed South Midlands region lacked core synergies beyond the M1 motorway. There was also concern that West Northamptonshire would have limited representation despite its population size. However, others highlighted the potential benefits for rail services, increased funding and investment opportunities, and the opportunity to influence national policy by having a seat at the Council of Nations and Regions. The potential for bus franchising and the success of other Mayoral authorities were also noted.

Despite some scepticism and concerns about the election of a Mayor and the impact on social care, the council ultimately agreed to the recommendations.

RESOLVED:

• Council agreed with the principle of Devolution and its benefits and to progress towards establishing a Mayoral Strategic Authority with its South Midlands partner authorities (namely Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes and North Northamptonshire).
• Council agreed that the Council should join the Devolution Priority Programme, working with the other South Midlands authorities to formally confirm in writing to the Government by 10th January 2025 that they are collectively minded to agree to establishing a Mayoral Strategic Authority.
• Council noted that at this stage any expression of interest was not a legally binding acceptance of having a Mayor and that this expression of interest in the priority programme would also be subject to confirmation that the government would make available suitable resources and capacity to help cover any additional costs incurred by West Northamptonshire Council to support the programme required to establish the Mayoral Strategic Authority, run elections and manage the additional legal, financial and administrative work required at no detriment to the existing Council budget and Medium Term Financial Plan.

Urgent Business

There was no urgent business advised for this meeting.

Chairman's Announcements

The Chairman announced the passing of former Northamptonshire County Councillor Stephen Legg, who had served as a councillor from 2009 until 2021. Tributes were paid to his service, including his role as Chairman in 2019 and his championing of charities such as Northamptonshire Young Carers and Northants 50+ Network. A minute's applause was held in his honour. The Chairman also informed members of a budget scrutiny session scheduled for 16th January and invited expressions of interest for specific topics.