Staffordshire business leaders have warned the county risks being left behind in the race for investment and economic growth unless the Government accelerates devolution and releases £10 million of funding they say has been held back by delays.
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce has written to Local Government, Devolution and Regional Growth Minister Jim McMahon calling for a clear timetable to establish a Mayoral Combined Authority covering Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, together with the immediate release of the £10 million allocation. McMahon took up his current ministerial portfolio in July. (GOV.UK)
The Chamber, which represents more than 1,000 businesses, says devolved powers and greater control over investment could help the area tackle key economic challenges including transport, skills, employment and regeneration.
Chief executive Stuart Elford said Staffordshire could not afford to see competing areas secure greater powers and resources while progress locally stalls.
He said: “Businesses across Staffordshire continue to face significant challenges, but a Mayoral Combined Authority would provide the powers, resources and long-term certainty needed to address these issues effectively and deliver growth at scale.
“Staffordshire risks being left behind while other areas move forward and benefit from devolved powers and funding.”
The Chamber says the £10 million would provide an immediate boost to the capacity needed to plan for and establish the new authority, helping Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent maximise the economic benefits from devolution.
All ten councils across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent backed a move towards devolution earlier this year, submitting a joint expression of interest in March to establish a Foundation Strategic Authority. Such an authority could secure additional powers over areas including transport, adult skills, employment support, housing and regeneration.
That process is separate from the reorganisation of local government already under way. Ministers confirmed in July that the area’s existing ten councils will eventually be replaced by two unitary authorities covering North Staffordshire and southern and mid-Staffordshire, with the new councils due to become operational in April 2028.
In its letter, copied to all Staffordshire MPs, the Chamber said it was aligned with Staffordshire County Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Council in wanting to move more quickly towards full devolution.
It has asked ministers to set out an accelerated timetable, release the £10 million without further delay and work with local partners to maximise the economic and social benefits.
Mr Elford added: “We now need Government to match that ambition with urgency and commitment. Staffordshire cannot afford to wait. We stand ready to deliver.”
