Derbyshire and Nottingham met yesterday with the Government to discuss proposals to devolve more power and responsibilities to the Midlands.

The meeting included council leaders and chief executives from Derby, Nottingham, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, making up the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership that is spearheading proposals for a devolution deal.

D2N2 said their proposals would create thousands of new jobs and homes, improve skills training and deliver a fully integrated transport system.

Communities secretary Greg Clark said: ‘We’re committed to giving local people the powers they need to take the lead in creating jobs, nurturing businesses, building homes and improving services because we know it is local people who are best placed to make decisions about its future.

'The meeting with D2N2 is an important step in driving forward discussions that have come from the ground up that will help get more powers devolved to the local level.’

Local government minister Marcus Jones said: ‘There are enormous opportunities across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire that will play an important part in driving forward the Midlands Engine.

'We’re determined that communities have the powers they need to support businesses and services so that local economies can thrive.’