Council Leaders Urge Unity on Devolution Opportunity
Luton and Milton Keynes leaders press for collaboration as government confirms BLMK as sole devolution prospect.
By Eleanor Paget
••3 min read
Luton Borough Council
Leaders from Luton and Milton Keynes are calling for a united front with Bedford and Central Bedfordshire to secure a regional devolution opportunity, following confirmation from the Government that the Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK) area is the only one being considered.
The Government has confirmed that the BLMK area presents the strongest basis for devolution and is the sole option capable of achieving local consensus within the necessary timescales. All four authorities have been asked to confirm their willingness to proceed by 26 October.
Luton and Milton Keynes are committed to advancing this opportunity, which promises vital investment, enhanced local control over transport and skills, and new prospects for residents and businesses. They are urging all four authorities to recognise the significance of this decision and collaborate to move the proposal forward for the benefit of all residents. Concerns remain that Bedford and Central Bedfordshire's hesitation to commit to the BLMK footprint could jeopardise the entire region's chance.
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"The Government has made its position clear: BLMK is the only devolution area it will consider taking forward for our region. We have a very short window to keep this opportunity alive, and we cannot afford to let it slip away. This would unlock vital investment and give us greater influence over the decisions that shape our future, creating opportunities for residents and businesses across all four areas. If we fail to move forward now, we risk missing out on funding and powers that could make a real difference to people’s lives, with no guarantee of when a comparable opportunity might come again. I urge all our colleagues to work with us to keep this moving. We do not need to have every detail agreed now, but we do need to recognise what is at stake and be prepared to take the next steps together."
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"The Government has made its position clear: BLMK is the only devolution proposal being considered for our region. This is a major opportunity to bring new investment, powers and decision-making closer to our communities. We can either come together and shape our own future, or risk watching other areas move ahead while we miss out. The economic case is compelling, the benefits are clear, and the cost of standing still could be enormous. Milton Keynes, Bedford, Central Bedfordshire and Luton have the ambition, talent and potential to achieve far more together than we can alone. I urge all leaders to put residents first, seize this opportunity and work together to secure the investment and influence our region deserves."
A new BLMK Strategic Authority would receive an investment fund and operational capacity funding. Consultants Metro Dynamics estimate that a BLMK devolution framework could unlock approximately £186 million annually, with pre-pandemic economic growth rates potentially adding an additional £52 billion by 2035. A unified BLMK approach could connect key regional developments, including the growth of London Luton Airport and the proposed Universal UK development near Bedford, alongside future growth in Milton Keynes East and a new town at Tempsford. Collaboration would ensure investment, infrastructure, and skills provision benefit all four areas.
Luton and Milton Keynes leaders remain committed to constructive engagement with their counterparts and the Government to advance devolution. With the initial response deadline approaching, they are urging all four authorities to maintain this opportunity and prevent the region from missing out on future investment and powers.
