A devolution deal for Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes (BLMK) remains unresolved after the government deadline on 26 October passed without agreement. The proposed deal includes a £186 million annual pledge from central government, with £23 million earmarked for critical local infrastructure and a potential £52 billion economic boost by 2035. However, councils are divided: Luton Borough Council and Milton Keynes City Council support the current offer, while Bedford Borough Council and Central Bedfordshire Council express reservations about the financial terms and the proposed geographic scope.
Political divisions within councils further complicate the situation. Labour and Liberal Democrat groups across all four councils back the BLMK footprint, whereas some local leaders advocate for a broader six-authority arrangement including Northamptonshire councils. The deadlock matters because it delays coordinated regional planning for infrastructure, transport, and skills development, which proponents argue could significantly benefit local communities and economies.
Read the full story: Bedford Today news.
Source: Bedford Today news. Aggregated summary, not independent reporting.