Businesses, universities, colleges and organisations across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent have united behind calls to ensure the area benefits from the powers and investment available through devolution.
Staffordshire County Council is among more than 30 organisations supporting the letter, alongside JCB, Michelin, Keele University and the University of Staffordshire, calling on Government to recognise the area as a priority for the next phase of devolution.
Devolution is the process of moving powers and funding out of Westminster and into local areas. For Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, it could mean that decisions are made closer to the people they affect and the area has more say over how Government money is spend to benefit local communities.
Coordinated by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, the letter makes the case for greater local influence over the decisions and investment that can support jobs and growth, improve transport and travel, strengthen skills and create new opportunities for residents and businesses.
It also makes clear that devolution must work for the whole area, with the benefits reaching communities across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, including its city, towns, villages and rural communities.
Hayley Coles, Deputy Leader of Staffordshire County Council, said:
“Devolution is moving forward across England, and Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent must be able to compete on an equal footing with areas that already benefit from devolved powers and funding.
“This isn’t about structures or titles. For us, devolution must work for the whole of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. The benefits of investment, economic growth and strategic decision-making must be felt across our city, towns, villages and rural communities alike.
“It’s great to see such strong support from across the area. We’re ready to work with Government to make sure devolution builds upon our existing strengths and delivers lasting benefits across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.”
The joint letter calls on Government to work with local partners to ensure Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent can benefit fully from the next phase of devolution and that any future arrangements reflect the needs and priorities of communities across the area
The letter and full list of signatories can be viewed here.
