The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) has been granted Established Mayoral Strategic Authority status by the government, giving it access to additional powers and potentially more flexible funding arrangements.
The designation allows EMCCA to request further responsibilities from central government and work towards an integrated funding settlement.
An integrated settlement would combine several government funding streams, giving the authority greater flexibility over how money is allocated across areas including transport, employment, skills and investment.
The new status will also give EMCCA greater control over local transport ticketing, a larger role in shaping affordable housing programmes and increased responsibility for business funding and support.
Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward said: “Established Status is also an important step towards our 2028 ambition. By then, EMCCA will have a broader and more influential role across the region.
“This includes taking on Police and Crime Commissioner and Fire and Rescue Authority functions and governance, and working even closer with our local councils and partners.
“With more powers and an integrated funding settlement to follow, we will be able to plan for the long term, drive growth and ensure opportunities are spread fairly across the region.”
EMCCA was established in 2024 and covers Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
It currently manages the region’s Adult Skills Fund, commissioning courses and training through colleges, councils and other providers.
In January 2026, EMCCA became the Local Transport Authority for the four council areas. The change involved the transfer of 62 employees, 233 contracts, 21 systems and a range of operational assets.
The authority also manages a long-term Capital Investment Fund. EMCCA said 20 projects had so far received support through two funding rounds, resulting in £33 million of investment across the region.
Established status can be awarded to devolved authorities that have been led by a mayor for at least 18 months and meet government requirements relating to performance and delivery.
EMCCA chief executive Amy Harhoff said the designation would allow the authority to seek further devolution, including additional flexibility over government funding and new responsibilities.
David Williams MBE, chair of EMCCA’s business advisory board, said the changes could allow regional decisions to focus more closely on transport connections, skills and business support.
East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said:
“We’ve been calling for devolution to be delivered at pace for a considerable time, and enabling the East Midlands Combined County Authority to request greater control over funding decisions by having Established Mayoral Strategic Authority status is another significant step forward.
“Planning and decision-making for local areas, such as Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, is always going to be most effective when it is in the hands of people who live and breathe the area, know its needs, and understand the growth opportunities first-hand. That’s why delivering more devolved powers to a region is essential for business.
“Following the recent decision to allocate some revenue from income tax and business rates to the Mayor of the East Midlands, EMCCA being granted Established Mayoral Strategic Authority status is another win for devolution in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, aligned with the policy asks set out in our Framework for Growth.
“I look forward to working with the Authority to ensure the best outcomes for the business community are achieved.”
