A new organisation, Devolution Leicestershire, has been launched to build the case for a regional mayor covering Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
The body brings together businesses, universities and nonprofit organisations alongside local authorities to campaign for devolved powers in the area.
It is seeking a clear timetable for devolution, after Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he wanted to see powers devolved to the region ‘as soon as possible.’
Cllr Dan Harrison, leader of Leicestershire County Council, said the region was ‘dramatically missing out on getting true value for people in Leicestershire,’ pointing to potential benefits for major transport projects, including upgrades to the A42 and the possible reopening of the Ivanhoe Line.
Devolution Leicestershire said it hopes greater local control over funding and decision-making would allow the area to address long-standing infrastructure gaps and boost economic growth across the county.
