An elected mayor is coming to Rutland and Leicestershire.
Alongside the budget announcements, the government said yesterday that they're close to finalising 10 new areas, including a mayoral strategic authority for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. This is different to local government reorganisation, which remains paused, with Rutland County Council remaining in its current structure for now.
The devolution announcement comes as part of a growth package for local and strategic authorities in England that the government says provides councils with greater financial flexibility and stability, increased local discretion and targeted support for investment and development. It is designed to bring more decisions and investment away from Westminster and closer to local people.
A new strategic authority would mean councils working together to make long-term decisions on issues that cross boundaries. That could include transport, infrastructure, skills, employment, housing, and regeneration. In time, it will be led by a directly elected mayor and governed with representatives from the participating councils, including Rutland.
Councils would continue to deliver local services whilst the new authority would focus on agreed strategic priorities for the wider area. It is hoped that devolution will give the area access to additional powers and long-term funding from government. The detailed timetable isn't yet confirmed, but councils will be working to help shape that with locals, including residents, businesses, public services, and other partners.
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