NEW devolution powers allowing Warwickshire County Council (WCC) to boost the local economy have been confirmed by the government.
The new government has indicated its intention to move forward with the Devolution Deal, which was agreed in principle by the previous government in March but had not been formally confirmed.
The deal will give WCC more power over how it spends part of its budget.
The council will take control of its £7.6million annual adult education budget, meaning it can work with businesses on a plan to tailor skills and learning to local needs.
Devolution also gives the council responsibility for spending its £10.9million share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund on communities, supporting businesses, and developing people and skills, and to progress key environmental initiatives.
The council said it welcomed the news, and looked forward to further conversations with the government and local partners to bring the early benefits of devolution to the county.
WCC leader Coun Izzi Seccombe said: “The Warwickshire Devolution Agreement is a significant long-term milestone for the county.
“It provides a strong foundation from which to secure further powers and resources. It will help us further strengthen our economy, and our continued drive to improve the life prospects for all who live, work or do business in Warwickshire.
“This deal is without doubt an endorsement of our county. In delivering on this deal, Warwickshire will continue to contribute strongly at a regional and national level.”
The deal has received cross-party support at WCC.
When it was first announced in March, WCC’s Labour Group leader Coun Sarah Feeney said: “We see a great opportunity to grow a skills agenda across the county, but this can only happen with closer working between districts or boroughs and the county council.
“We are determined to ensure we are at the forefront of developments. We cannot afford to miss out on these opportunities, and it will require hard work and cooperation to a far greater degree than currently happens.”
Liberal Democrat Group leader Coun Jerry Roodhouse welcomed the deal and looked forward to better local services.
He added: “We need to remember that this is not new money and will place extra strains on the county support services. We will work hard to make it work for local residents.”
WCC is one of eight local authorities in the UK to be awarded a deal. It is expected to come into force in April 2025.
