Have your say: Mayor launches series of events to shape the future of the East Midlands

Big issues need real debate, a big conversation between politicians and the people they serve. Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, is meeting people from across the region as she builds up to the launch of plans to unlock a new kind of economic growth.

Throughout July, Mayor Claire Ward will be leading a series of conversations in Derby, Chesterfield, and Nottingham where she’s inviting local people to get involved in the conversations and to name one thing they’d change to make the East Midlands stronger.

Over the past few months, Mayor Claire Ward has secured more than £4 billion in government investment in the East Midlands, opening up the potential for nationally-significant developments, business expansion, jobs growth, transport improvements and more housing.

The Mayor has also brought together a group of specialists who’ve been working with communities and talking to business, skills and health leaders about ways of opening up the benefits of growth to more people and places in the region.

This Inclusive Growth Commission will reveal its final recommendations in September, and shortly after that, the East Midlands Combined County Authority’s Local Growth Plan will be published, which will set out a roadmap for regional investment and the role the East Midlands will play in the UK’s wider growth ambitions.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “As Mayor, I’ve secured more than £4 billion in investment to drive growth in the region. The scale of the investment we will be making in the East Midlands puts us at the heart of the country’s future, but this is not the end of the story. I want everyone to be part of this economy and to feel the benefits of their contribution. That means investing in a way which creates good jobs, thriving places, and an enabling, reliable transport network. This is growth held to higher standards: inclusive growth.”

“One of the characteristics of inclusive growth is that the people who create the prosperity – you – get to say what good looks like. So, I’m inviting you to tell us: sign up to one of our summer events, think about our outline plans, and tell me what you think. Working together, we can turn our region into the best place to live, work, and learn.”

Those interested in attending one of the events can register your interest now:

• Tuesday, 22 July – Derby, 2pm to 4pm
• Wednesday, 23 July – Chesterfield, 8am to 10am
• Thursday, 24 July – Nottingham, 8am to 10am