The Government has announced another round of potential devolution areas, indicating that MK, Bedford, Central Beds and Luton councils would be its preference to form a Foundation Strategic Authority.
This would be the first step in the region’s devolution journey, which would bring new devolved powers over local transport and skills.
The news has been welcomed by Labour politicians, who have been advocating for the future of BLMK, stating that the shared health footprint as well as the strong economic case make this the right choice for local people as devolution progresses across the country.
As well as including Milton Keynes as the country’s fastest growing city, with one of the top 10 largest city economies and a prospective new town project, BLMK would include Luton airport and the site of Universal, set to become the UK’s largest visitor attraction.
“Milton Keynes is already one of the most successful and fastest growing cities in the country and having a clear BLMK devolution footprint will allow us to accelerate our growth even further," said Councillor Pete Marland, "With greater local control, we’ll be able to deliver the infrastructure, jobs and skills our city, and region, needs more quickly and more effectively. Although it probably needs a better name.”
Emily Darlington, MP for Milton Keynes Central, added, “Devolution works best when it reflects how people live and work, and this footprint does exactly that. With local control over transport and skills, we can join up investment across our area, back training that matches real vacancies, and make it easier for residents to get to work and education, including through links to London Luton Airport and major new opportunities like the planned Universal United Kingdom Resort.”
Callum Anderson, MP for Buckingham and Bletchley, added, “BLMK works because it reflects the real way our area lives, works and grows. Our residents cross local boundaries every day, our businesses recruit from across the patch, and our supply chains connect all four councils seamlessly. Together, we form a coherent, integrated geography at the heart of the Oxford‑Cambridge Growth Corridor - which will bring so many opportunities for local people.”
Chris Curtis, MP for Milton Keynes North, said, “This is hopefully the first step on what could be a game-changing process for our city, which will allow us to turbocharge the fantastic work we already do in Milton Keynes delivering new housing and infrastructure, and allow us to do even more for local people, current and future.”
