The decision was communicated by Jim McMahon OBE MP, Minister for Local Government, Devolution and Regional Growth. Despite analysis from the South Midlands Business Board highlighting the six-council South Midlands geography as meeting the Government's population threshold for a strategic authority, encompassing nearly 1.9 million residents and generating over £60.5 billion in economic output annually, the Minister stated he was "not minded to further explore this option".
The Business Board's analysis also indicated that the South Midlands model could support over £40 million a year in investment funding capacity, equating to approximately £1.2 billion over 30 years. Supporters argued that a larger strategic authority would have provided a stronger voice with the Government to attract funding and investment into Northamptonshire and the wider region.
Addressing an Extraordinary Meeting of Milton Keynes City Council, Cllr Mark Arnull, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council, questioned the decision. He stated: “If devolution is about economic reality and not administrative convenience, why are West Northants and North Northants Councils not part of the conversation? Milton Keynes, your city, isn’t an island. People commute between Northamptonshire, Milton Keynes, and the wider region of Bedford and Central Beds. Businesses recruit across our borders, the M1, the A5, our labour market, our housing market, and our investment opportunities are very much aligned, and these are opportunities that bind us together.”
The Government's letter cited a lack of support from all councils within the proposed South Midlands geography. However, questions were raised about the consensus for the BLMK arrangement. Cllr Shazna Muzammil noted that "There is not a settled consensus across the wider South Midlands around a Bedford, Luton, Central Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes (BLMK) Strategic Authority." She added that the Central Beds administration, supported by their Lib Dem colleagues, defeated a proposal for BLMK, and the Mayor in Bedford stated they also support the six-council model.
Following the meeting, Cllr Arnull reiterated his disappointment but conviction in the South Midlands option. "The evidence presented by the South Midlands Business Board demonstrates the scale, strength and potential of the South Midlands economy," he said. "The Government's decision raises important questions about how local support is being assessed. The South Midlands proposal has the backing of both Northamptonshire authorities and the support of business leaders across the region. We also believe it has wider support within the BLMK footprint. Those voices should be given significant weight when considering the long-term economic future of the area."
West Northamptonshire Council stated it will continue to engage constructively with the Government and neighbouring authorities to secure the best possible devolution settlement.
