Confirming The Facts : Sheffield City Region
Chesterfield Liberal Democrats support the council stance as we think it is the best interests of the residents of Chesterfield; in fact we saw the benefit of being part of the structure eight years ago.
As a result of the extensive discussions the Liberal Democrat Group supported the council's application for full membership of the Sheffield City region.The alternative - to become full members of the North Midlands region (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire) - has been evaluated but currently looks less favourable; however their offer is still being developed. We are assured that, should their subsequent offer prove more favourable, it is possible to change our stance at a later date.
Whether we like it or not the only way to access new funding that will bring economic regeneration is by being part of such a deal - and there is no other body available to join.
Central government has pressed for widespread devolution in order to ensure better regional partnership working. At Chesterfield we have benefitted greatly from our positive links with Sheffield City Region but, until recently, had been unable to become full partners. New enhanced legislation has now made that possible.
It is worth mentioning that the negative and frankly inaccurate information disseminated by our County Council has been less than helpful in creating a climate of fear and confusion. There have been two periods of lengthy consultation, full explanations delivered to every household in the "Your Chesterfield" newsletter and a more recent leaflet. Instead people have been swayed by the relentless "Keep Chesterfield in Derbyshire" mantra that Derbyshire Labour have pedalled. On their website they even falsely claim "if this proposed land grab by Sheffield goes ahead it could have massive implications for you and your family." This whole campaign of fear by DCC has been all about self-interest rather than the truth. At a time when DCC has slashed services they have decided to seek a very expensive judicial review in order to take the "red on red" infighting to a new level. Derbyshire and Chesterfield residents deserve better than to be the jam in a Labour argument sandwich.
This debate has never been about geography. Chesterfield IS and ALWAYS will be in Derbyshire. The firming of our existing link with SCR is purely about obtaining greater opportunities for funding to continue to enhance our town's prosperity.
The one that is certain is that change is inevitable. The new North Midlands partnership is looking at developing some shared services so changes at County are inevitable - exactly to what extent is currently unclear.
One aspect, that we and almost everyone opposes, is the imposition of an elected mayor in all devolved regions. Central government has made this mandatory in order to obtain the devolved funding. The elected mayor will not take on any of the roles currently serviced by the borough council and the borough's mayoralty remains unchanged as a civic function.
Devolution is complex and the imposed timetables have made it difficult to explain the complexities to the electorate. It may seem back to front but wider consultation will begin immediately with the promise that new concerns and fears be taken into account before the council's application is sent to the Secretary of State as a summary of views will form a key part of the council's submission.