Luton Council has backed plans for a new mayor and devolved authority covering Luton, Bedford, Central Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes – arguing the arrangement could unlock billions of pounds of additional economic growth.
The council has written to the government to formally confirm its support for a BLMK Strategic Authority, saying the four areas already have strong links and could achieve more by working together.
The proposed authority would give the area greater control over areas such as skills, employment, transport, investment and economic development, although the precise powers and funding available have yet to be agreed.
The move is the latest step in a long-running debate over the best geographical area for devolution.
The four councils have previously backed the BLMK footprint as their preferred option, although the government had originally considered a wider South Midlands arrangement which also included North Northamptonshire and West Northamptonshire.
Milton Keynes City Council formally backed BLMK as its preferred devolution geography in 2025, describing it as the best option for unlocking the city’s potential and securing investment in infrastructure, skills and other areas.
There has also been some uncertainty over the future shape of devolution. Central Bedfordshire’s leader Adam Zerny said as recently as July that there were concerns a BLMK authority could be too small to deliver the same benefits as some larger devolved areas, with discussions continuing about wider options.
For Luton, the council argues there is a particularly strong economic case for working across the four areas.
It points to Luton Airport and the planned Universal UK theme park and resort in Bedford as two major assets which could be better connected through joint work on investment, skills, jobs, transport and tourism.
A recent analysis by Metro Dynamics cited by the council estimates the BLMK economy could be worth an additional £52billion by 2035 if it returns to its pre-pandemic rate of economic growth, supported by greater local control over skills and investment.
Luton Council leader, Cllr Tahmina Saleem, said: “We believe a BLMK Strategic Authority gives us the best opportunity to unlock the potential of our area and deliver lasting benefits for our residents.”
She said the four areas already had “strong partnerships” and argued devolution could bring their economic strengths together.
Cllr Saleem added: “By bringing together our major economic assets, investment and skills, we can create better opportunities for our residents, support good jobs and drive inclusive growth which will benefit everyone.”
The council is specifically backing a mayoral model, meaning a directly elected mayor would lead the new strategic authority.
That would not mean Luton Council disappearing. The existing four councils would continue to carry out their current local authority functions while the strategic authority would take on devolved powers from central government.
The government has already identified BLMK as a proposed geography for this work, while the latest position from Luton is that it is ready to move forward with its local authority partners.
However, there is still a significant question over exactly what powers and money Luton and its neighbours would receive.
The council says further detail on the proposed fiscal devolution settlement is expected from the government in the autumn.
Cllr Saleem said Luton would scrutinise the eventual deal before committing to it.
“We will of course look closely at the detail of any proposed settlement to ensure it delivers the right outcomes for Luton,” she said.
The latest development therefore represents a significant political endorsement of the BLMK model from Luton, rather than confirmation that a new mayoral authority is definitely going ahead.
For residents, the eventual significance will depend on what powers, funding and responsibilities are ultimately transferred from Westminster to the new regional body.
Be the first to comment