Lib Dem-Labour Partnership warns against putting nearly £1billion devolution opportunity at risk

The Partnership is urging Conservative, Reform and Independent councillors opposing the BLMK proposal to accept that it is the only option the Government will take forward.

The proposed devolution deal from the Government would see Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes remain as separate councils, serving their own local communities but with a strategic authority above them, bringing new powers and investment from Government to help the area tackle regional challenges together such as transport, planning and economic growth. 

Ministers have asked Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes councils to confirm by today (Monday 26 October) whether they wish to proceed. Bedford and Central Bedfordshire have yet to agree.

At last week’s extraordinary council meeting, Lib Dem and Labour councillors rejected a Conservative motion to make a six-council authority, including North and West Northamptonshire, Milton Keynes’ preferred option. The Partnership backed retaining the Council’s existing support for BLMK.

Lib Dem Leader of Milton Keynes City Council, Councillor Jane Carr, said:

“Last week I met with the Minister, who was absolutely clear that a strategic authority including North and West Northamptonshire is not an option the Government will take forward. If we cannot agree on BLMK, we risk missing out on devolution altogether.

“Nearly £1 billion is at stake. Residents and businesses deserve an explanation from those councillors willing to put that opportunity at risk by continuing to pursue an option that the Government has clearly ruled out.

“Devolution could give us greater local powers over transport, skills and economic development, alongside long-term investment to help secure the infrastructure and opportunities our growing city needs.

“It’s very simple, we have a route forward through BLMK. It’s time for councillors opposing it to explain how further delay benefits the people they represent.”

The Partnership also questioned the case for expanding the proposed authority into Northamptonshire. West Northamptonshire Council published a forecast £13.1 million overspend in September, highlighting significant financial pressures.

Councillor Lauren Townsend, Labour Leader and Deputy Leader of Milton Keynes City Council, added:

“The Government has made clear that BLMK is the footprint it is prepared to take forward and we want the arrangement that is going to be best for local people. While different proposals are being discussed by other political parties, pursuing alternatives risks jeopardising the opportunity in front of us and there is no guarantee that a comparable package of powers, investment and support would be available if we turn down this recommendation. 

“MK Conservative and Reform councillors have also argued that some councillors weren’t in the chamber when earlier debates took place. New councillors are entitled to their opinion, but their arrival post-election can’t mean the council starts all over again on every settled policy. We'd never get anything done.

“The Partnership wants to move forward, secure investment and give our communities a stronger voice. We can't afford to let this opportunity slip away.”