Council unanimously backs new devolution deal

A council voted to move ahead with a new devolution deal in what was described as "a major step forward" for giving the area greater independence

North Northamptonshire Council unanimously voted to create a Foundation Strategic Authority (FSA) for the county at a full council meeting on Wednesday evening.

It aims to give the area greater power and control over region-wide issues such as jobs, transport and housing, by operating across multiple council boundaries.

"We have the chance to take a major step forward," said the council leader, Reform UK's Martin Griffiths.

"One that strengthens our national influence, accelerates our growth and positions us more confidently within our region and the country."

The expression of interest in creating an FSA will be submitted to the government, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"[A Northamptonshire FSA] gives us a platform to strengthen our capacity, our voice and our ability to shape investment in the things that matter most to us," added Griffiths.

"This council is on the up and it's going places, we're just not sure in which geographical location at the moment."

Previously, a similar venture was proposed in the form of the South Midlands Authority (SMA) - but there was a lack of cross-council consensus in the region.

The SMA would have included the council districts of Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes, and North and West Northamptonshire.

Conservative councillor David Brackenbury said he was "very disappointed" that the SMA deal could not be agreed.

Green councillor Emily Fedorowycz said the FSA should be seen as the "first rung in the ladder of devolution, not the final destination".

"Standing still would not protect local interests, it would simply mean decisions are shaped elsewhere without our voice at the table," she said.

"Our long-term ambition should remain clear – we should continue expressing a strong interest in being a part of a wider combined authority."

Labour councillor Mark Pengelly, meanwhile, emphasised the need to pursue other options for a larger strategic authority.

He said: "We have to look at the South Midlands option and we've got to keep everything open and we've got to look at everything."

Lib Dem councillor Simon Fairhall, meanwhile, said establishing an FSA for only Northamptonshire was "clearly not the best option".

"Borders must not be allowed to become barriers because in real daily life they are nigh on invisible in how we work, live and relax," he said.

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