Mayor could get police and fire service powers

East Midlands mayor Claire Ward could be given responsibility to oversee police and fire services in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire under proposed new devolution powers.

The government introduced its English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill in parliament on Thursday.

Among the slated changes is the transfer of responsibility for policing priorities, currently in the hands of elected police and crime commissioners (PCCs), to regional mayors.

Fire service policy-making in the two counties currently comes under the remit of authorities, made up largely of appointed local councillors, but could also be handed to the mayor.

Derbyshire's current Labour police and crime commissioner Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts said: "Obviously, this is all subject to the bill receiving Royal Assent.

"However, having seen what has happened in other mayoral areas, any change in the governance structure is most likely to come into effect at, or after, the next PCC elections in 2028.

"The only difference between the East Midlands and other areas is that the role would cover two separate police forces.

"Importantly, there is already a close working relationship with the mayor, and that will develop further as we work together in the coming months to deliver safer and stronger communities."

Under the changes, the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) would become a Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA), giving Ward greater powers to issue new Mayoral Development Orders.

Ward said: "The new Mayoral Development Orders and streamlined planning powers will help us move faster, cutting through delays, unlocking new housing, and delivering critical infrastructure in the places that need it most.

"The bill recognises my vision for inclusive growth in every corner of the region, focusing on community spaces, thriving high streets, and support for local businesses.

"Crucially, it also puts more power in the hands of local people, something I've championed from day one."

Among the proposed new regional powers are a Community Right to Buy to give communities the first opportunity to buy closure-threatened pubs, shops and sports grounds.

The government said the bill also proposed controls on "unfair" rent rises on small businesses in high streets.

The new devolution legislation also sets out a route to establishing new strategic authorities in areas currently not led by regional mayors, such as Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

By Peter Saull, BBC East Midlands political editor

Ever since she was elected last May, Claire Ward has made no secret of the fact she wanted more powers.

The first-ever East Midlands mayor was handed responsibility in areas such as housing, skills and transport.

She argued Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire were missing out because mayors in other parts of the country had a bigger remit.

It seems the government has listened, giving Ward new planning powers, for example.

But most eye-catching of all is the idea that the East Midlands mayor could oversee two police forces and two fire services.

The move would spell the end of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire's police and crime commissioners, roles that have existed for well over a decade.

Many voters expressed cynicism about the job of mayor before it was created, but like it or not, Claire Ward's influence is growing.

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