Devolution possibility for Bedfordshire must not delay elections says council leader
The leader of Central Bedfordshire Council has warned the government any delays to the May 2027 local elections in the county around devolution issues would be unacceptable.
Under the next stage of a devolution programme for England, it appears that CBC along with Luton Borough Council, Bedford Borough Council and Milton Keynes Council could form a new Foundation Strategic Authority.
This process involves devolved powers being distributed from the government to new mayoral authorities, consisting of groups of current councils.
CBC leader and Independent Potton councillor Adam Zerny said in a statement: “I note the government’s consultation on regional groups, which will be closely linked to future devolution.
“We’ve long-established working relationships with Bedford, Milton Keynes and Luton, although we also have strong links with other adjacent local authorities, such as Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Northamptonshire.
“Ultimately, we need to know much more about what these proposals will mean for residents and the potential benefits for them.”
In an earlier post on this issue on social media, he explained: “I’ve spoken to Miatta Fahnbulleh MP, the Minister for Devolution, this week.
“I made it clear that we won’t support any delay to the local elections planned for May 2027 in Bedfordshire. I also cited the need for the public to have its say.
“I’ve asked for further clarity on the timeline for these foundation authorities and requested more details on what the impact will be for the public, as well as what funding the government is prepared to provide.
“It’s telling all councils that they’ll need to create a spatial development strategy (SDS) for every region. This will be a group of councils working together on planning and development, similar to the Local Plans which councils produce to show where future housing will be located.
“A government letter confirmed: ‘Our belief is that sensible strategic planning and devolution geographies will, in the vast majority of cases, be one and the same’. The SDS will be a formal body with a board, which will include elected councillors.”
Councillor Zerny added that the government has decided the regional SDS restructure will happen, with the question being whether councils agree with the groups proposed.
Luton Borough Council said in a statement: “We welcome the government’s consultation recognising the BLMK functional area for the proposed geography for spatial development strategies and from this the prospect of new devolution deals.
“With more than one million residents covered in this area and strong partnerships, including long-standing joint health and care services, we believe this offers the best opportunity to improve our area and communities.
“This collective strength can deliver better jobs, more integrated health and social care, affordable housing with supporting infrastructure, improved public transport, and greater sustainability.
“We’ll continue working with local partners and government to secure a successful devolution settlement for Luton.”
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has organised a non-statutory consultation on the proposed geographies for each SDS.
A new system of strategic planning would be created across wider areas, designed to guide key cross-boundary decisions on housing growth, infrastructure and land use, rather than being limited to a single council area.
Bedford Borough Council has not yet responded to a request for comment.