OPINION: Whilst supportive of Cambridge 2040 resources and infrastructure must be a priority  

I, along with so many in our region, have been eagerly awaiting today’s Autumn Statement, especially with regard to further Government commitments to Government’s previous pledges on Cambridge 2040 and Network North. But firstly devolution, I whole heartedly welcome today’s commitment to further devolution and the publication of a new framework for Combined Authorities to take that next step.

The framework is a result of a lot of work and collaboration between Government and all of the Mayoral Combined Authorities, I’m proud to say that Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority have been a part of that effort.

Onto Cambridge 2040, while I am supportive of the concept and of Government’s ambitions to stimulate high growth, making one of our cities a global science superpower, I like many residents remain concerned that the resources and infrastructure must be put in place to ensure our systems are not overburdened.

Trending

Whittlesey shop closed after police claims of it being a front for ‘organised crime’

I very much hope Government will not contradict that ambition of local and devolved decision making   in the delivery of Cambridge 2040, most importantly with today’s announcement which supports a Cambridge Delivery Group. I, and the Combined Authority, will continue to offer our placemaking expertise to make Cambridge 2040 the overwhelming success it can be.

Advertisements

MP Steve Barclay (above) was the first Cambridgeshire MP to meet Dr Nik Johnson. Wisbech rail was high on the agenda when they met in the mayor’s Ely office

I welcome the news that Government will be allocating £2 million to address this issue and welcome the opportunity to work with Government to identify further resources which can be utilized to tackle the issue.

Earlier this year, Harvard University published a report: Why hasn’t UK regional policy worked? Within that report it made a strong case of deeper skills devolution and an acknowledgement that skills policy must align with local business needs and industry strategy.

We’re proud of our track record in skills. Partnership working and devolution has allowed us to play a key role in establishing the award-winning ARU Peterborough, which opened its doors last year.

The university has worked with local employers to co-design it’s courses, which placed in in a further education cold sport, prides its ability to recruit students from a Peterborough postcode.

Trending

Cambridgeshire shootings: Man, 66, charged with two counts of murder

This means local industry is receiving the pool of talent and skills it requires, and local residents have access to good, quality careers, in a thriving economy. Not only is it true levelling up in action, but regeneration done right and with the community at its heart.

Meeting with Anthony Browne MP for South Cambridgeshire to chat about plans for the region, including #transport and the #environment. “Great to hear how keen he is to co-operate with me on these, and other issues,” said Mayor Dr Nik Johnson.

We have proved that we can excel at delivering devolved skills funding. In the past three years our region has increased adult education participation, against a backdrop of national decline.

We have achieved this by targeting further education cold spots, the most deprived areas in our region and seldom engaged cohorts. This has included diverting 50% of our adult education budget to deprived areas, fully funding English as a second language courses and are providing bursaries for care leavers.

Advertisements

We will continue to work with Government, local partners, and other Mayoral Combined Authorities to take up the option for further devolution in the future.

Onto Cambridge 2040, while I am supportive of the concept of Cambridge 2040 and of Government’s ambitions to stimulate high growth, making one of our cities a global science superpower.

Trending

‘Hate crime’ scooter man sought in Littleport

I like many residents remain concerned that the resources and infrastructure must be put in place to ensure our systems are not overburdened.

I very much hope Government will not contradict that ambition of local and devolved decision making in the delivery of Cambridge 2040, with today’s announcement supporting a Cambridge Delivery Group.

I, and the Combined Authority, will continue to offer our placemaking expertise to make Cambridge 2040 the overwhelming success it can be.

Additionally, we are all very well aware of the water scarcity constraints which are choking Cambridge’s growth ambitions. I welcome the news that Government will be allocating £2 million to address this issue and welcome the opportunity to work with Government to identify further resources which can be utilized to tackle the issue.

It was somewhat disappointing to see that still, no further details have been given regarding what the Prime Minister’s announcements regarding Network North actually mean to our region.

Upgrading Ely Area Capacity Enhancements (EACE) and A10 and A1139 improvements has been met warmly by residents in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and I had hoped to see funding commitments to these within the Autumn Statement.

There is still much to unpack from today’s Autumn Statement, and much to work towards.

One thing I am incredibly clear on, the Combined Authority will continue to work hard for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, and work with others to ensure our region is a great place to live, work, learn and visit.

Dr Nik Johnson is Mayor of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority