Mansfield District Council's new boss says a draft of a devolution deal for Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire is "close", and wants to see Mansfield benefit from the extra funding. Devolution is the name given to the process of transferring powers and funding from national to local government.
For example, if devolved powers were granted, decisions such as spending money on improving roads, employment and education could be made locally, along with more money coming into the area. Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Derby and Derbyshire authorities have been working together towards obtaining these powers, and if it's agreed, a new East Midlands Mayoral Combined Authority would be created, which would be led by an elected Mayor, similar to that seen in Manchester and the West Midlands.
Adam Hill, the new CEO of Mansfield District Council, has said that a draft of the deal to be submitted to government is "close". He said Mansfield will be prepared to "punch above its weight" to get its slice of what could be additional funding for the area.
