A government deadline on 26 October has passed for councils in Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes (MK) to secure a £186 million annual investment fund linked to a proposed devolution deal for the Bedfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes (BLMK) region. Labour group leaders from the four local authorities argue that the deal could restore the area's pre-pandemic economic growth rates by 2035 and generate £52 billion in economic value. However, while Luton Borough Council and MK City Council support the proposal, Bedford Borough Council and Central Bedfordshire Council remain hesitant.
The proposed BLMK strategic authority would transfer powers from central government to local leaders, potentially including a directly-elected Mayor, to improve coordination on economic development, transport, and public services. Some local politicians express concern over the lack of broader regional cooperation, with calls for a public vote and alternative arrangements involving Northamptonshire. The uncertainty around agreement risks losing the immediate opportunity for significant investment and devolved powers, which supporters warn could jeopardise the region's future growth.
Read the full story: Bedford Today news.
Source: Bedford Today news. Aggregated summary, not independent reporting.