Following an invitation from the Deputy Prime Minister, Medway Council has submitted an Expression of Interest to the government in the opportunities offered by devolution.
Cllr Vince Maple, Leader of Medway Council, said: “Following an invitation from the Deputy Prime Minister this summer, Medway Council has submitted an Expression of Interest in exploring the possibility of a devolution deal for Kent and Medway. The geographical footprint of the two regions with nearly two million residents and our strong track record of partnership delivery across organisational and political boundaries with local government, the NHS, police and fire means that we are well positioned to support an effective and ambitious devolution settlement.
“We believe that the opportunity to widen devolution to more regions will offer opportunities to unlock significant economic benefits and drive growth in this geographically significant area of the country, being one of the principal gateways to the country and critical economic sub-regions in the UK with a GVA of £43.9billion.
“It is still early days in this process and further discussions will be taking place with our colleagues at Kent County Council and the Kent city, district and borough councils. We look forward to hearing more about the government’s plans due to be set out in the new devolution framework, as well as the proposed English Devolution Bill, and to understand more about the role of the new Council of Nations and Regions.”