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Exclusive: Communities Secretary Greg Clark outlines his vision for the South East's 'devolution revolution'

As the government forges ahead with its plans to devolve more powers to local authorities and councils, Bdaily caught up with Communities Secretary Greg Clark to find out how the South East fits into the UK-wide ’devolution revolution’. This is what he had to say:

We’re determined to rebalance the economy and create opportunity for everyone to succeed in life, with a key part of this being our “devolution revolution”, to shift power away from Whitehall and across the country.

Over the past year, areas like Milton Keynes, Bedford and Northamptonshire have benefited from this. Over the next five years, the area is set to receive over £125million through its Local Enterprise Partnership. There are 39 of these Partnerships around the country made up of local businesses and councils, set to drive local growth.

It means money is going where it is needed most across Milton Keynes and Beds, to help create almost 20,000 jobs, deliver over 10,000 homes and secure over £150million in private investment.

The first payment, of £23million, was made last April and already one year on that money is changing the face of the area. Those readers living in Houghton Regis, Dunstable and Luton are set to benefit from Woodside Link, which is well underway and expected to open in November.

The Link Road alone is expected to create over 5,800 jobs and pave the way for over 5,000 much-needed homes. And the dualling of A421, set to start later this year, will further improve links between Milton Keynes and Bedford for residents and businesses alike.

The Local Enterprise Partnership has now received a further £16million to fund the next round of projects. That is set to include development of the Marston Vale Innovation Park. These investments haven’t been decided by Whitehall, but by local people who know the area best. The Local Growth Fund has £1.8billion additional funding available, and we’re now inviting local businesses and the council to come forward and get their application in before the Summer so they can get their share.

This is part of the most radical “devolution revolution” for a generation, with greater power and resources returning to people in Milton Keynes, Bedford and Northamptonshire – people who know their area best and can make a real difference to the lives of local residents.

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