Trust, relationships and the foundations of Devolution

Devolution and Complex Areas

Welcome to Staffordshire!

Welcome to Staffordshire!

Centre of UK

2 theme parks – Alton Towers and Drayton Manor

Peak District National Park

2 League clubs – Stoke City and Burton Albion

A cathedral city – Lichfield

The National Memorial Arboretum

Welcome to Staffordshire!

1.1 million residents

Growing economy - £18.7bn GVA

More jobs being created

Low and falling unemployment

Wages going up

Welcome to Staffordshire!

Great location linking Northern Powerhouse and Midlands Engine Room

Great connectivity – road, rail & air

Strength in advanced manufacturing – JCB, JLR

But

Low productivity

Low entrepreneurship

Low skill levels

Distressed health economy

Partnerships

1 county, 1 city (unitary), 8 districts

– 2 tier with a unitary city

6 Clinical Commissioning Groups

2 Health and Wellbeing Boards

1 Local Enterprise Partnership or 2?

Devolution

Big cities agenda – counties playing catch up

County vs City

County vs Districts

LBYO (Leading Beyond Your Organisation)

Leaders’ Board

Devolution concerns

Three tiers?

Reorganisation by the back door?

West Midlands Combined authority

Housing need

Mayoral model

Devolution opportunities

Geography – bridge between north and midlands

Complementarities between urban and rural areas

Skills

De-ringfencing the £7bn

Recasting the two-tier relationship

Health and care integration

Devolution process

statement of intent by end of July –

unity

LEP/business involvement

ambition

conversation with government – generational opportunity

no second chance?

Questions?