Questions are being asked over the Government’s intention to pursue a Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK) Strategic Authority rather than the alternative South Midlands proposal.

The Government has confirmed it will not pursue proposals for a six-council South Midlands Strategic Authority, instead supporting an arrangement covering Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.

But the decision has prompted the Leader of West Northamptonshire Council to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Devolution Minister seeking full transparency.

Local government minister Jim McMahon acknowledged the preference of Northamptonshire's two unitary authorities for a wider agreement but said he was "not minded to further explore this option".

Cllr Mark Arnull (right) Leader of West Northamptonshire Council at the England’s Economic Heartland meeting with (from left) Cllr Adam Zerny, Leader of Central Beds Council, Cllr Martin Griffiths, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council and Cllr Tom Wootton, Leader of Bedford Borough Council.

placeholder image — Cllr Mark Arnull (right) Leader of West Northamptonshire Council at the England’s Economic Heartland meeting with (from left) Cllr Adam Zerny, Leader of Central Beds Council, Cllr Martin Griffiths, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council and Cllr Tom Wootton, Leader of Bedford Borough Council.

The decision follows calls for West and North Northamptonshire to be included in a strategic authority alongside Milton Keynes, Bedford, Central Bedfordshire and Luton.

Following the announcement, West Northamptonshire Council leader Councillor Mark Arnull addressed an extraordinary meeting of Milton Keynes City Council attended by cllr Tom Wootton, mayor of Bedford Borough Council and cllr Adam Zerny, leader of Central Beds Council.

He questioned why Northamptonshire was being excluded despite the economic connections between the neighbouring areas.

Councillor Arnull said: "If devolution is about economic reality and not administrative convenience, why are West Northants and North Northants Councils not part of the conversation?"

He highlighted shared transport routes, employment markets and investment opportunities linking Northamptonshire with Milton Keynes and Bedfordshire.

However, councillors in Milton Keynes rejected a motion supporting further exploration of the wider South Midlands model by 35 votes to 18, with one abstention.

Speaking afterwards, Councillor Arnull said: "While we are disappointed by the Government's decision not to pursue a South Midlands Strategic Authority, we remain convinced that it represents the strongest and most economically coherent option for our area.

"The evidence presented by the South Midlands Business Board demonstrates the scale, strength and potential of the South Midlands economy."