Just three months after launching the region’s first Corporate Plan, Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward is already delivering big results. Mayor Claire Ward is bringing in billions of pounds in investment, supporting work to create thousands of new jobs, and setting out a bold vision for a greener, fairer, and more successful region.
Since April 2025, East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) has hit the ground running, working at pace with local and national partners to turn the Mayor’s ambition into action.
The benefits for communities across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and the wider East Midlands are already taking shape.
Major successes in the last three months:
A record-breaking £4.5 billion secured for the East Midlands
- £2 billion to transform our transport network — making it easier, faster, and greener for people and businesses to get around.
- £2.5 billion to put the East Midlands at the heart of clean energy through the STEP Fusion energy programme — creating jobs and powering the future.
A powerful vision for growth and prosperity
- The East Midlands Vision for Growth, unveiled at UKREiiF in Leeds, sets out how EMCCA will deliver £4.6 billion in new economic growth, create 100,000 jobs, and build 52,000 new homes — a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the region.
- The East Midlands Investment Zone has funded 15 cutting-edge tech pilot projects, and the region’s investment opportunities have been showcased to investors, attracting strong interest and support.
Creating skills and jobs for local people
- The Adult Skills Fund will launch this summer, helping adults aged 19+ to gain new skills and move into good jobs.
- Free Courses for jobs will help adults aged 24+ gain a level 3 qualification.
- The Youth Guarantee and Connect to Work programmes are up and running.
- Over 250 schools and colleges are now part of our Careers Hub, helping young people connect with the jobs of the future.
- New initiatives like Hospitality Connect are opening doors to careers in key local industries.
Transport, housing, and digital progress
- EMCCA is now the region’s new Transport Authority, and planning improvements will be made in every corner of the East Midlands.
- Thanks to EMCCA enabling funding, brownfield sites are being turned into new homes, plus the Authority signed a new partnership with Homes England.
- EV charging and digital network upgrades are making progress.
- The Chesterfield & Staveley Growth Corridor is now a top priority for regeneration.
Leading the way on climate action
- Local Area Energy Plans are helping communities prepare for a clean, green future.
- A Nature and Biodiversity Taskforce has been set up to protect the environment and enhance local wildlife.
- Residents have been supported to lower their bills thanks to energy efficiency upgrades on their homes.
The Inclusive Growth Commission also shared its first findings, with final recommendations coming later this year — ensuring no community is left behind as we grow.
The Mayor has also been championing the region and pushing for greater powers from Government to deliver more for local people.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said:
“The East Midlands is on the move and we’re just getting started. In just three months, we’ve brought in billions in investment, backed bold ideas with real delivery, and opened up new opportunities for people across our region. From cleaner transport and new homes to world-leading green energy and future-ready skills, we are laying the foundations for a fairer, stronger, more confident East Midlands. I was elected to get things done and this is what delivery looks like.”
This is just the beginning. The East Midlands Combined County Authority will be hitting more major milestones in the next three months:
- The final Inclusive Growth Commission report will be published in September.
- The launch of the Adult Skills Fund, which supports adults over 19 to get the right skills to find work or go into further education.
- Brownfield housing projects are continuing, building more homes for the region
- EMCCA is moving forward on energy, transport, and regeneration plans
- The Mayor is championing the case for more powers to shape the region’s future
You can view EMCCA’s Corporate Plan here.
