Trust, relationships and the foundations of Devolution Devolution and Complex Areas

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?