Councillor Jewel Miah, Leader of Charnwood Borough Council, has expressed his support for the Government's plans to establish a Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA) for the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland area. He believes devolution would bring additional powers, investment, and funding to the region.
Cllr Miah stated, "I welcome the Government's announcement and firmly believe a Mayoral Strategic Authority would bring significant benefits to Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, including for residents and businesses in Charnwood. Businesses and universities need the right conditions to grow, including skilled workers, strong transport links and investment in infrastructure. A Mayoral Strategic Authority would give our area a stronger voice with Government and help secure the funding and powers needed to support economic growth. We want local firms and residents across Charnwood to benefit from new investment and greater opportunities."
Mayoral Strategic Authorities are led by an elected mayor and are part of the Government’s devolution programme, aiming to give areas greater influence over transport, skills, and economic development. The announcement was made as part of the Government's Budget on 28 October 2026.
Cllr Miah also welcomed Budget measures to support businesses, including plans to increase the Small Business Rates Relief threshold. He commented, "The changes announced by Government to business rates should provide a welcome boost for hospitality, retail and leisure businesses across Charnwood."
Additionally, he welcomed the announcement that Kindeva plans to invest £200 million in Loughborough, which is expected to significantly boost the town’s life sciences sector and reinforce Charnwood's reputation as a centre for innovation.
