North East Derbyshire District Council have approved ambitious plans to replace Sharley Park Leisure Centre with a new community hub including leisure centre, health provision and support services.
This decision marks the start of an exciting time for Clay Cross, and is the most advanced of the ten projects in the £24.1m Clay Cross Town Deal.
The next stage of work is a detailed design and a planning application before work can start on site early next year (subject to planning consent).
The new facility which will be on the same site as the existing centre is supported by Sport England and the Football Foundation, with Chesterfield Royal Hospital, Clay Cross Hospital and Citizens Advice partnering the project.
Inside the leisure centre there will be a large, modern fitness suite, spin studio, fitness suite, sports hall, main pool, learner pool, Changing Places facility, Soft Play and a community café.
Outside it’s proposed to have social areas, improved play equipment, a full size 3G floodlit pitch, and a walking/cycle route around the 1 mile perimeter of the park.
North East Derbyshire District Council Cabinet Member for Leisure, Cllr Jeremy Kenyon, said: “This is a fantastic and significant moment not just for Clay Cross but for the whole district.
“As the design progresses in the coming months, we look forward to sharing with you the proposals in more detail to hear resident’s thoughts and how we have responded to your consultation comments.
“Whilst Swim England are forecasting the closure of up to 2,000 pools across the country, we are bucking the trend, approving £27m investment in our leisure centres to improve facilities for residents of all ages and make them more financially and environmentally sustainable.
“There is growing demand for places where communities can come together, socialise and most importantly, have fun. I strongly believe leisure centres have a vital role to play in this, in addition to being a place where we can all get our heart rate up and be more active.”
COINS, the provider of end-to-end business software to the construction, engineering, home building and service sectors, has acquired AssetTagz, a Market Harborough-based provider of asset management solutions.
AssetTagz will continue to trade under its current brand as a sister company to COINS, but with closer sales collaboration and technical integration of its solution with COINS Construction Cloud.
Robert Brown, Group CEO, COINS, said: “With the acquisition of AssetTagz and its solutions, COINS gains another important piece of the jigsaw puzzle in the digitisation of end-to-end construction processes.
“This acquisition furthers COINS core strategy of providing solutions which deliver a real-time, single source of truth to construction companies looking to reduce cost, increase compliance and improve decision making.
“AssetTagz solutions are already in use by several COINS customers including Byrne Group, Careys, Keltbray, Reach Active and Laing O’Rourke and we look forward to working closely with AssetTagz to expand their footprint in both the COINS customer base and beyond.”
Hiten Kantelia, CEO & co-founder, AssetTagz, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the next phase in AssetTagz’ evolution has been secured. We have partnered with COINS on opportunities for several years, with many customers now successfully using both of our solutions.
“Becoming a sister company of COINS provides exciting opportunities for our overall growth, most excitingly within the construction sector, whilst retaining our autonomy and agility as an independent asset management solution provider.”
Leicester-headquartered Construction Testing Solutions (CTS) has acquired Mason Evans, one of the leading specialist geo-environmental consultancies in Scotland.
Founded in 1995, and based out of Glasgow, they employ over 45 staff. Mason Evans is a well-established business providing a variety of solutions to a wide variety of sectors including, developers, house builders, distillers, local authorities, contractors, consulting engineers and architects.
The CTS Group portfolio has been developed and expanded over time, with a successful track record of acquisitions recently including CGL Limited in November 2020, Nicholls Colton in February 2021 and Silkstone Environmental in August 2021. In purchasing Mason Evans, CTS are enhancing and extending their existing capabilities and further strengthening their offering and broadening their geographic coverage into Scotland.
Phil Coles, Chief Executive Officer of CTS, said: “CTS already has a strong footprint in Scotland offering industry leading materials testing services. This latest acquisition see’s us broaden our geographical coverage within Scotland and supports our overall growth strategy and focus on delivering market leading construction testing solutions to our clients.
“It further strengthens our position in the UK construction testing and consulting market and provides numerous synergies and opportunities that benefit both CTS and our clients. Both myself and the business are excited about working with Niall Lawless and welcoming the Mason Evans team to the CTS Group. This acquisition complements the CGL, Nicholls Colton and Silkstone deals announced previously, and reinforces our commitment to growth.”
Mason Evans Managing Director, Niall Lawless, said “This is an exciting step for Mason Evans, and I’m delighted to be continuing as Managing Director supporting the future growth of the combined business and integration process. Since starting in 1995 Mason Evans has been providing high quality geo-environmental consultancy and now existing clients will also benefit from CTS’s extensive experience and knowledge within the testing, inspection and compliance industry.”
Phil continued: “Niall and the team’s significant knowledge and experience in the energy and waste management, land engineering and geotechnical engineering market, combined with CTS’s national network of construction testing laboratories and site teams will strengthen our growing testing solution and environmental monitoring services. We are increasing our service capacity to clients and enabling them to select us as their go-to partner of choice for all construction testing and environmental monitoring related services.”
City employers are getting a chance to find out how to make the most of Government funding to hire apprentices and bridge skills gaps.
Derby City Council has joined forces with the University of Derby, the Department of Work and Pensions, and the Derby College Group to deliver a free event designed to inspire local employers to explore the benefits of apprenticeships.
Get on Board with Apprenticeships! will be held on Tuesday 8 February from 4pm at the University of Derby’s Enterprise Centre, as part of this year’s National Apprenticeships Week.
National Apprenticeship Week, now in its 15th year, is an annual event to celebrate the positive impact apprenticeships have for individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
Apprenticeships are paid jobs which provide learning up to degree level. They are open to anyone aged 16 and over, and apprentices spend at least 20 per cent of their working hours in a learning environment.
While all employers are welcome to attend, the two-hour information event is particularly aimed at businesses based in Derby city and who are eligible for additional funding available from the Council’s Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Fund to offset training and assessment costs.
The event will give a comprehensive overview of the apprenticeship scheme, including the various financial incentives available and how to apply for them.
Employers who took part in the Government Kickstart Scheme can discover how to retain a Kickstart recruit by transitioning to an apprenticeship.
Local Apprenticeship training providers will be on hand to answer questions. There will also be a chance to hear directly from local employers about their experiences of successfully taking on an apprentice and the benefits this can bring.
Hot House Music, a not-for-profit music school whose former pupils have gone on to work with chart-toppers Lewis Capaldi and Noel Gallagher, has benefitted from the Council’s Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Fund.
Founder Jon Eno said: “We see apprentices as a long-term recruitment strategy and the funding support we received from the Council has enabled us to take on more apprentices. They gain hands-on training and get an opportunity to learn multiple skills in different areas of business. The organisation benefits from their enthusiasm and talent, which helps deliver growth.”
Cllr Evonne Williams, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills at Derby City Council said: “As businesses prepare to meet future challenges, having the right skills in the workplace has never been more important. More and more employers are beginning to see apprenticeships as the way to build strong teams for the future.
“There are financial incentives we can help with and I would encourage local employers to look at the ways in which apprenticeships can deliver the skills their workforce need to help their business grow.”
Find out more or register at Get on Board with Apprenticeships!
Girls and women who are interested in a career in carpentry, plumbing, tiling or painting & decorating can take part in free taster sessions this half-term.
Starting on Monday 14 February and running daily until Friday 18 February, the Women in Construction half-day sessions run from 9am-12 noon, or from 1pm-4pm.
Places on the workshops are filling up fast, so girls and women aged 16 and over are urged to sign up as soon as they can to make sure they get a place on a session that suits them.
The free Women in Construction taster sessions are run by the city council in partnership with Leicester College, with the council’s own qualified female trades operatives running the classes.
Those who enjoy the sessions and would like to embark on a career in construction will be able to apply for the city council’s craft trade apprenticeship scheme, when it’s advertised at the end of the month.
Maria Pancholi, operational development team leader from the city council’s Women in Construction team said: “This is a chance for women to try something they may never have tried before in a supportive environment.
“They will be taught by women already employed within the council’s housing team who can be looked upon as a shining example of what can be achieved with drive and determination.
“These taster sessions could be the start of a whole new career, with the opportunity to gain a qualification as a tradesperson with the council’s housing services.”
Cllr Elly Cutkelvin, assistant city mayor responsible for housing, said: “We’ve been running these sessions for many years, and they’re a really good stepping stone for women who may not have thought about applying for a craft apprenticeship before. But because of the pandemic, we haven’t been able to run them for the last two years – and that’s led to a drop in enquiries from women about our apprenticeships.
“I hope that this year’s programme will get us back on track, and encourage more women to find out more about a craft trade apprenticeship – and help us recruit a workforce that reflects the community we live in.”
The free taster sessions will be held from 14-18 February at Leicester College, Freemans Park Campus, LE2 7LW.
More information and an online registration form is available at www.leicester.gov.uk/womeninconstruction
Applications for the city council’s craft trade apprenticeship scheme – which covers plastering, carpentry, painting and decorating, bricklaying and plumbing – are due to open at the end of the month.
Five out of the city council’s 26 current craft trade apprentices are women, while 30 out of a total of 184 trade operatives at the council are women.
Councils across Greater Lincolnshire are inviting Secretary of State for Levelling Up Michael Gove to meet and discuss their 10-point plan to drive prosperity across the county.
As the Government today publishes its levelling-up white paper, leaders are proposing a devolution deal designed to create thousands of new high-wage, high-skill jobs, revolutionise road, rail and digital infrastructure and transform towns to create a new future where living standards rise further.
The 10-point plan is designed to ensure the area becomes the 10th council to secure a county devolution deal.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This further commitment to levelling up is another example of Government backing plans across the country to drive prosperity.
“We will, with Government, build on the announcement today to deliver on our plans which will enable businesses from the Humber throughout Lincolnshire to unleash their potential. It is an exciting time and together Greater Lincolnshire will thrive.”
Cllr Martin Hill, leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Although we’re surprised that we have not been included in the initial areas for county deals, the white paper is a really positive step.
“Our draft proposal was a great start and we’re now ready to take this forward in Lincolnshire with our 10-point plan. This is an opportunity to address historical underfunding of our area.
“We’ll be inviting the government to work with us to secure a county deal that brings us new powers and helps our area meet its potential.”
Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “Our joint work from the Humber to the Wash has some clear outcomes to target investment where it’s most needed, and we know we’re best-placed locally to take on new responsibilities and funding.
“Working together and speaking loudly and clearly for our area will be the best way to achieve this.”
Greater Lincolnshire’s 10-point plan for devolution
Deliver infrastructure for:
1. Strategic growth and jobs in key sectors
2. Green recovery and a low carbon Lincolnshire
3. Transport that connects people to jobs and places
4. Unlocking housing and sustainable growth
5. Managing our unique rural environment
Develop skills and opportunity by:
6. Skills culture that promotes aspiration across Lincolnshire
7. Growing skills needed for future jobs in key sectors
8. Creating pathways and apprenticeships into new jobs
9. Increasing employment opportunities and productivity
10. Accelerating innovation, research and technology
Following the Levelling Up White Paper’s publication, which the Government says will set out a plan to transform the UK by spreading opportunity and prosperity to all parts of it, local business leaders have reacted.
Scott KnowlesEast Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “After lots of rhetoric, it’s an important moment to finally see what levelling up will mean in practice under this Government.
“Any vehicle that results in more powers being given to local areas is, in principle, a positive step as it should equip cities, counties and regions with the tools to shape their places as they see fit and use their local knowledge to target the issues that matter to them.
“It’s promising to see Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire all named in the first cohort to be invited to agree new county deals. It’s crucial these mechanisms lead to enhanced public investment, given the East Midlands has historically received the least funding per head of any UK region.
“Businesses in our three counties are increasingly beginning to understand they are being left behind by those in other regions that have been given devolved powers. For example, the public investment gap per capita between the East and West Midlands grew by 21% in the period since Andy Street was elected Mayor of the West Midlands.
“Therefore, should our counties take up the devolution offer, we would expect to see this result in more money for our areas in matters that have been neglected for too long, such as our transport infrastructure, skills, education, digital infrastructure, and research and development (R&D).
“Low productivity has long been a sticking point for the UK economy, with poor growth since the 2008/09 financial crisis and lagging behind our peers in countries such as Germany, France, Norway and the US.
“In regions such as the East Midlands, we have argued that one of the reasons for this has been that too much focus has been placed in London and the South East rather than in the North and Midlands, where there are plenty more gains to be made.
“So the Government’s pledge to increase public investment in R&D outside the Greater South East by at least 40% by 2030 is a key aspect of the Levelling Up White Paper that will be music to the ears of our manufacturers.
“This industry, and our region, was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and its general decline in recent years – from 30% of the UK’s economic output in the 1970s to 10% today – has coincided with regional disparities in our country.
“Manufacturing – which is spearheaded by household names including Rolls-Royce, Toyota and Boots in our region – therefore has a central part to play in levelling up our country, making huge contributions not only to productivity uplifts but also providing long-term employment for people in our communities.
“We have also been eagerly awaiting further details about the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which will replace exhausted EU funding from 2023, and it’s reassuring to learn that much of this will be decentralised to local leaders, who will be able to target investments to regenerate their communities, boost people’s skills and support local businesses.
“The Chamber is already delivering an East Midlands Accelerator project to help create jobs, support digital adoption among businesses and accelerate the low-carbon transition across seven local authority areas in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire as part of the Community Renewal Fund, which is the forerunner to the Shared Prosperity Fund.
“Our experience in this programme – as well as a pilot scheme for the Local Skills Improvement Plan, which puts employers at the centre of delivering skills training – suggests there are many benefits to be realised by having local organisations at the heart of local decision-making.
“It’s also encouraging to see Government setting itself some real metrics, supported by statutory legislation that will hold its performance in levelling up to account. We have the plan and now we look forward to the partners in our region who will help deliver meaningful changes – and quickly, because we don’t want to still be talking about the same old issues in 10 years’ time.
“Westminster can also be confident that it will get more bang for its buck from backing the East Midlands in the resulting private sector investment it triggers than in just about any other region.
“We already have lots of exciting projects taking place such as the freeport and schemes led by the East Midlands Development Corporation, including at Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station, and we know there’s even more to be achieved by having the full backing of our national decision-makers.”
Richard RoseRichard Rose, partner and head of BDO in the Midlands, said:“Following a disruptive end to 2021 – a year that saw medium-sized businesses rethink operations and quickly adapt to stay afloat – it’s clear just how important levelling up policies are to organisations across the Midlands.
“Through our Rethinking the Economy survey of 500 mid-sized companies, business leaders have been very clear about their priorities and what true ‘levelling-up’ means to them. The top three priorities for regional businesses include investment in skills to reduce the so-called ‘skills gap’, with more than a quarter ranking this as the most important area of focus, investment to develop new infrastructure (20%), and streamlining/restructuring local authorities and councils (20%).
“From our research, only a small percentage of businesses (5%) believe they will not benefit from the Government’s pledge to level up the UK but are confident they will be successful regardless of this. In fact, more than a third of businesses in the region feel that levelling up is critical to the success of their business, with a further 36% believing it will help to some extent by improving the region as a place to live and work.”
Rose continued: “Regional investment in R&D is a huge positive and Government funding to leverage at least twice as much public sector investment could be the key to stimulating innovation and productivity growth. The Midlands is well placed to take advantage of this given its entrepreneurial spirit, combined with the sectors and talent in the region.
“Against a backdrop, in which 90% of Midlands companies will be impacted by the Government’s announcement to eliminate reliefs for overseas R&D from April 2023, regional business leaders will need to rethink their tax and innovation strategies and consider how they can bring this into the UK.”
He concluded: “Medium-sized businesses are the engine of the economy, accounting for more than £1tn or revenues and their future growth will be crucial to the overall economic recovery of the UK.
“We know there isn’t a one size fits all solution, but the Government’s ambitious levelling up whitepaper should be received positively by business. As companies across the region plan for a brighter year ahead, all eyes will be on the UK Government to listen to what they truly need and deliver against these priorities. The proof will come from whether the necessary funding, focus and implementation follows and brings this whitepaper to life.”
Natalie Gasson-McKinleyFSB development manager Natalie Gasson-McKinley, said: “The new Levelling Up agenda gives an opportunity to rebalance the system, making sure opportunities and funding are more equitably spread across the nations and regions. The East Midlands continues to lose out in terms of public investment, and local businesses have long raised concerns about the comparably low levels of infrastructure and economic development funding – which impacts on rates of local and regional economic growth. It’s important that this white paper has real substance and nails down policies that are adequately funded to ensure that it makes a difference, so we look forward to going through all the details when it is published in full.
“To ensure Levelling Up is a success, small businesses must be front and centre, with improvements made to connectivity, business support and skills development across the UK. The focus that the Government has put on locality, rejuvenating town centres and high streets, where the majority of businesses are small, is pleasing to see. It is positive that Derbyshire and Derby, along with Nottinghamshire and Nottingham, have been invited to begin negotiations to agree new County Devolution Deals. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) will work with local policy makers to ensure that the voice of small businesses is not lost or excluded from discussions. Elected representatives must now be engaged closely to make meaningful change in all our communities.
“Housing is key to levelling up and while it’s the right move to provide loans to small housing firms as part of the Home Building Fund, a small house builders strategy is needed to make certain smaller businesses are at the forefront of policy thinking.
“In the wake of the Government’s Integrated Rail Plan announcement, there’s already concern over plans for connectivity in some parts of the country. Local public transport is important to small businesses and their employees, and improvements in its frequency and quality are much needed, as well as a focus on improving deteriorating local roads.
“In the towns and areas of the country where it is most key to level up, small businesses are not short of ambition and want to flourish and grow. Our research shows half of small business owners in these ‘less favoured areas’ striving to become a business leader in their community. But significant support is needed, addressing regional inequalities and moving beyond just job creation.
“This paper certainly isn’t short of ambition, but we need to make sure it is delivered well. The acid test will be whether small firms, which are integral to our economic recovery, feel better supported, are better connected, can find the right staff and feel more pride in their area. With potentially debilitating tax rises on the horizon, Levelling Up must now deliver lasting change; it cannot just be a worthy intention or partisan slogan.”
Matthew FellMatthew Fell, CBI chief policy director, said: “The Levelling Up White Paper is a serious assessment of the regional inequalities which have hamstrung the UK’s economic potential for generations. It offers a blueprint for how government can be rewired and an encouraging basis for how the private sector can bring the investment and innovation to start overcoming those deep-rooted challenges, and power long term prosperity for every community, wherever they live.
“The picture it paints of a reinvigorated 2030 UK can inspire public and private sector partners to unite on shared missions for improving health, wealth, growth and opportunity across the country.
“Crucially, it accepts the CBI view that business-driven economic clusters – enabling every region and nation to build its own unique competitiveness proposition – can be a catalyst which brings levelling up ambitions to life.”
Phil Woolley, head of public sector consulting, Grant Thornton UK LLP, commented: “The publication of yesterday’s White Paper plans is a welcome first step and it is reassuring to see government recognise the need for systemic changes in order to deliver its central aim of Levelling Up.
“The ‘12 missions’ can be seen as an attempt to consolidate existing elements of government activity behind a singular banner and now provides a clearer picture of the levelling up opportunity.
“Following a decade of successful regional devolution and mayors, the White Paper marks the next stage of the country’s devolution journey. With government now offering a clear framework of devolved powers and accountability, local leaders will need to embrace the opportunity and collaborate across the public and private sector to ensure they negotiate and then deliver the best deal for their communities. The East Midlands could be at the forefront of the ‘devolution revolution’, with Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire all earmarked as some of the first counties to be invited to begin negotiations on new deals.
“Grant Thornton’s Levelling Up Index shows that the economies of the 10 worst performing local authorities in England are on average over five times smaller than their best performing counterparts – highlighting the scale of the challenge ahead.
“To level up, these areas would need to grow their economies by £12billion, increase employment rates by 6 percentage points, create 1,700 new businesses a year and increase average weekly pay by £200.
“It is too early to determine whether the measures announced today will be sufficient, but it is a start. Success will ultimately depend on the ability and willingness of local and national government to translate these new frameworks into meaningful change in people’s lives.
“The Spending Review offers the next opportunity for government to show its commitment by realigning departmental objectives behind these new goals.”
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead. It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.Here we speak to Berta Toth, head of operations at Perrymead Estates.
As an East Midlands property developer, we’ve monitored closely how the pandemic has shifted behaviours, focusing our investments accordingly. The lesson we’ve learnt is how important it is to apply an agile approach. While we predict that 2022 will welcome a period of stabilisation, businesses will need to be dynamic if they are to fare well over the coming months.
Taking a look at commercial lettings, while COVID was a controversial catalyst towards hybrid working models, we believe these will endure throughout 2022 and beyond. The traditional office 9 to 5 is unlikely to return, that’s evident, and it’s a reality developers have to accept. Pivoting the offer to suit this landscape is vital, so for instance, we expect to see a rise in flexible workspaces and regional hubs, accompanied by lower demand for long term leases of large square footage units.
Companies will need to make it attractive to lure people away from their homes. We believe there is huge opportunity in Nottingham for multi-use buildings, where people can collaborate – working together ad hoc and as needed – which requires good transport links into the city, cafés and coffee bars that double as meeting spaces, hotdesking with superfast wifi and printing facilities. We recognised this early in 2020 and tore up our plans for our latest commercial venture in the Lace Market, launching Stoney Street Studios to appeal to this hybrid audience. Our next project will be called Hockley HQ and will also offer this kind of creative, vibrant, collaborative experience that we think the city will benefit from.
From a residential perspective, the market is buoyant and we don’t anticipate this to change. Despite cost of living increases and inflation, rents continue to rise too. In fact, it is reported that the average rental in the UK is now around £1,000 per month, which is an 8.3% year-on-year increase. Demand among renters has prompted the highest growth in 13 years.
While we’ve witnessed a small departure from city living from those embracing work from home and pursuing a more rural lifestyle, our belief is that this trend is shortlived. It’s vitally important that office workers and students feel compelled to return to our streets to drive our local economy. As business confidence is beginning to be reinvigorated, we’re witnessing positive signs of pandemic recovery, and we hope this leads to a renaissance for Nottingham by the summer. It’s welcome news that Nottingham will benefit from the Levelling up Fund – it’s to all of our benefit that Nottingham is a green and sustainable destination.
The government have released their Levelling Up White Paper, which outlines plans for devolution.
Nottinghamshire and Nottingham have been named as one of the first nine areas in England invited to seek a devolution deal.
Leaders of all the local councils in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire met in October 2021 and agreed on a joint vision for devolution in the area. The leaders are set to meet and discuss the options for the city and county and agree on the best way forward, before presenting their plans to the government.
Ben Bradley MP, leader of Nottinghamshire County Council and chairman of the City of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Economic Prosperity Committee (EPC), said: “We’re pleased that the Levelling Up White Paper has been published. It is an important document, and we need clear and decisive action to help level up our city and county.
“Before the publication, since setting out our joint vision for devolution, we have been working hard to pull plans together to tackle the challenges we all face through collaboration and strong leadership across all nine local councils in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. We intend to publish these plans over the coming weeks and months.
“We believe we have a strong case, and we are happy to take up the government’s offer with further discussions about how we can negotiate a good devolution package, to bring much needed powers and resources to our local communities.
“Over the next few days, we will be carefully considering all the details as set out in the White Paper and then holding discussions with the government, who clearly recognise the potential of our joined-up approach.”
Derbyshire and Derby have been recognised as national ‘Levelling Up’ leaders with the Government announcing that they had secured a County Deal set to bring substantial investment to the area.
Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council, working alongside eight other district and borough areas, has been awarded ‘pathfinder’ status by the Government as part of the deal – one of the first to be awarded at county level.
Though figures have not yet been announced, the deal will bring extra investment to the area, alongside the transfer of specific powers in areas like transport, bus services, housing and skills from central Government to a local level, giving greater autonomy to local leaders over decision making and funding.
Leader of Derby City Council, Councillor Chris Poulter, said that the announcement was great news for the area, and that the councils now need to negotiate the right deal for the city and county: “This is excellent news for Derby and Derbyshire. We’ve worked closely together to get our county deal on the table – a credit to our partnership working – and now the real work begins as we await conversations with Government officials to understand expectations and agree terms and timescales.
“The councils included in the deal serve over 1.1 million people, and yet so many decisions that directly impact them are being made by central Government. A County Deal for Derby and Derbyshire is our opportunity to reflect our people and businesses through local level decision-making.
“We will now move into negotiations, where all partners will continue to work to ensure the best deal for Derby and Derbyshire. We’re focussing on employment and skills, transport, housing, planning, business support and investment, which we believe are key areas for both the city and county.”
More information is expected from the Government in the coming weeks.
Derbyshire County Council leader Barry Lewis added that the success would improve people’s lives across the county and city. He said: “Today’s County Deal announcement for Derbyshire and Derby is the result of significant and long-term work between councils and wider partners like the NHS and police with a shared focus on improving opportunities, growth and quality of life in our county through our collaborative approach.
“I’m delighted that the Government has recognised our unique partnership offer, and we welcome this significant investment in delivering levelling-up locally by those who know our communities best.
“Derbyshire has been at the forefront of this process over the last couple of years and it’s fantastic to see the hard work come to fruition with this announcement which demonstrates our national reputation as a county that delivers and stand ready to level up for Derbyshire and Derby.”
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