Luton Council backs BLMK footprint for future devolution

The Council believes BLMK offers the best opportunity to strengthen the local economy, create quality jobs for local people and deliver better outcomes for communities across the area.

The four councils already have a strong track record of working together, including on plans for the area’s future growth and development. The Government has already identified BLMK as the proposed area for this work, further strengthening the case for closer collaboration.

This builds on the many ways services already work across the area, including long-standing joint health and care services, and police and fire services operating across the wider Bedfordshire area.

The council believes devolution could help bring together the area’s major economic assets, including London Luton Airport and the planned Universal UK development in Bedford, creating stronger connections between investment, skills, jobs and economic growth.

A recent analysis by Metro Dynamics found that the BLMK economy could be worth an additional £52 billion by 2035 if the region returns to its pre-pandemic rate of economic growth, supported by greater local control over skills and investment.

Luton Council is supportive of a mayoral model and is ready to work with Government and its local authority partners to move the process forward. Further detail on the proposed fiscal devolution is expected from Government in the autumn.

Councillor Tahmina Saleem, Leader of Luton Council, said: “We believe a BLMK Strategic Authority gives us the best opportunity to unlock the potential of our area and deliver lasting benefits for our residents.

“We already have strong partnerships across Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes, and devolution gives us the opportunity to build on that collaboration and make the most of the economic strengths of our area.

“By bringing together our major economic assets, investment and skills, we can create better opportunities for our residents, support good jobs and drive inclusive growth which will benefit everyone.

“We are supportive of a mayoral approach and are ready to work with Government and our local authority partners to make the most of this opportunity.

“We will of course look closely at the detail of any proposed settlement to ensure it delivers the right outcomes for Luton."