Council takes ownership of hotel in Sleaford
In a move which will secure a prestigious hotel business, protect jobs and broaden its economic and social benefits, North Kesteven District Council has taken ownership of the Carre Arms Hotel in Sleaford.
The purchase of both the hotel and its operating company has been finalised following a decision by Full Council on February 29, 2024, with Members agreeing that there were significant advantages to the community in protecting this key local infrastructure asset, which could otherwise be lost as a viable business.
Acquisition of the Carre Arms also assists the Council significantly in advancing its ambitions around expanding the local visitor economy – being one of only two hotels in the immediate area with more than 10 rooms – and the regeneration of Sleaford Town Centre.
The move also protects an historic, landmark building and introduces opportunity to enhance its viability as an accommodation, conference and functions provider.
Council Chief Executive Ian Fytche said the realisation of this opportunity to move forward a number of the Council’s strategic aims around Sleaford’s regeneration and the potential for growing the local visitor economy was something the Council could not afford to pass over.
“For more than 12 years we have recognised the need for expanded hotel provision in order to meet existing and growing demand for business and visitor accommodation, but that is something that the private sector has not been able to provide,” he said.
“That reality, allied with the broader aspirations of the Sleaford Masterplan and the Council’s wider strategic interests in redevelopment opportunities in the immediate area of the Carre Arms, have led to the Council taking this proactive intervention.
“It is an action entirely consistent with legal and financial frameworks and will ultimately support the Council in both delivering on its objectives and maintaining its own ongoing viability, just as its established Lafford Homes housing company does.
“Customers of the Carre Arms will see no immediate difference as there is no change to the operations of the hotel or the circumstances of the employees.
“Along with the retiring owners, who have run a successful business for more than 20 years, we thank them for their goodwill both now and over the years in providing a much-needed multipurpose venue in the heart of Sleaford.”
Work underway at West Bridgford low carbon housing development
Work is underway at the Abbey Central housing development in West Bridgford, a low-energy, ‘gas-less’ sustainable development, comprising of 71 new modern homes.
Currently being developed jointly by Peveril Homes and Stagfield Group, the 1.9 hectare site was previously used as Rushcliffe Borough Council’s (RBC) depot.
As part of their long-term aspirations to relocate to a more suitable location, the Council were clear in their vision to create a new, sustainable community that raises the bar on carbon efficiency, environmental impacts, design and affordable housing.
RBC partnered with local architects, Allan Joyce, to meticulously design a low-energy, sustainable development near Abbey Road, incorporating modern technology to facilitate a “gas-less” community.
Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council Cllr Neil Clarke said: “With this site we wanted to raise the bar and show developers what could be achieved by creating an exemplar site by thinking differently, hitting our targets of being environmentally friendly whilst also keeping within our 30% affordable housing goals.
“To see the impressive work being completed on these homes as part of our aims to reduce carbon emissions within the Borough is excellent and we are delighted to be watching our vision and aspirations for a carbon efficient development coming to life, bringing forward a difficult brownfield site.
“This is a positive example of our continuing commitment to providing energy efficient new homes and affordable housing in Rushcliffe as we forge a positive landscape for future generations.”
Ann Taylor and Phoebe Clark from Savills development team in Nottingham, acted on behalf of RBC selling this redevelopment site to Peveril Homes and Stagfield Group.
Ann said: “The brief to Allan Joyce was to create a new exemplar housing development for Rushcliffe and to set a new standard for sustainable high-quality urban family living in West Bridgford. We were confident that the area could support a high value flagship scheme and we are excited to see the new homes finished and occupied in due course.”
The entire scheme is projected to achieve over 50% CO2 reduction compared to standard building regulations, a noteworthy accomplishment surpassing the target of 19% CO2 reduction for the development.
Specific houses, outfitted with both Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) and Solar PV, are forecasted to achieve up to 80% savings in CO2 and energy compared to existing building regulations, utilising contemporary energy systems to conserve energy and Solar PV to generate electricity.
James Smith, Managing Director of Peveril Homes, added: “As the site will be completely gas-free, we are continuing to innovate our product offering. Our partnership with Stagfield Group assists us to evolve with each house type designed from the ground up to accommodate modern living and the ambitious carbon net goals set by Rushcliffe Borough Council.”
Kevin Hard, Managing Director at Stagfield Group, said: “Our latest development, ‘Abbey Central’ in partnership with Peveril Homes, is breaking new ground with 71 homes designed with low-energy and sustainable development at its core.
“We’re really pleased that the housing development has been highlighted as a blueprint case study by the local Council as to how future developments should be built in order to meet Carbon Net Zero goals.”
The site is expected to be officially launched in April 2024.
Fresh planning application submitted for homes at Tollerton Airfield
A second planning application for new homes at the site of Tollerton Airfield has been submitted to Rushcliffe Borough Council following the first submission in December 2020 for housing, a primary school, local centre and supporting infrastructure.
It proposes a mixture of full and outline planning permission for the phased residential development that could see dwellings, a second primary school and supporting infrastructure such as open spaces and sports pitches.
There is a further area of land that does not form part of the two planning applications received, which could be for additional homes, community infrastructure, employment land, and a secondary school.
The Council have advised the applicants it cannot determine either application until such time that a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) is in place, which is a masterplan for the site.
Planning officers are working with the consortium of landowners for the development of this masterplan to ensure all public and community infrastructure is planned properly and to the highest standards, taking account of the needs of the new and existing communities.
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Planning and Housing Cllr Roger Upton said: “We are duty bound to validate the application if it is correct and cannot decline to do so, but the applicants are aware we cannot determine the application until the SPD is in place.
“We will formally consult technical consultees, ward members, the relevant Parish Councils and local residents, all of whom will have the chance to comment on the proposals.”
Pre-pack sale secured for Northampton packing solutions business
A Northampton packing solutions business has been sold in a pre-pack administration deal.
Deviesh Raikundalia and Tyrone Courtman of RSM UK Restructuring Advisory LLP were appointed joint administrators of Universal Supply Chain & Solutions Limited on 12 March 2024 and have secured the sale of the business and its assets.
Based in Northampton, the company is a family-run business specialising in the co-packing industry and providing full supply chain logistics fulfilment as well as flexible warehousing. The company specialised in dealing with seasonal promotions and latterly diversified into food and cosmetics packaging.
RSM UK were appointed administrators following issues caused by the impact of Brexit, Covid and the Ukraine War, and more recently, the loss of major supermarket orders. The trading business and assets of the company were sold to Universal Food, Beverage and Luxury Gift Packaging Limited, an entity connected to the former director.
The company employs a full time management team of 13 staff and utilised up to 200 agency staff during peak times. All jobs have been saved as part of the sale.
Deviesh Raikundalia, RSM UK restructuring advisory director and joint administrator, said: “Universal Supply Chain & Solutions Ltd is an established company in the East Midlands, and it is unfortunate they have suffered over the last few months due to factors outside of their control.
“Given the ongoing business challenges, we are pleased to have helped save the future of the company, which will ensure continuity of service at the specialist facility and, more importantly, preserves employment for its skilled workforce.”
Prakash Mistry of Universal Food, Beverage and Luxury Gift Packaging Limited, said: “Unfortunately we experienced a period of downturn in the business caused by the loss of a few lucrative contracts.
“With the help of RSM, we are pleased that Universal Foods have acquired the business as well as the assets, securing employment for all of the employees and staff, and allowing continuity of supply to our loyal customer base with little disruption.
“With the continued support of our key stakeholders, we will be able to offer high standards of quality and service, including investing in new equipment to improve efficiencies over the next few years.”
Rolls-Royce welcomes Australian investment in AUKUS preparation plans
Rolls-Royce has welcomed the announcement that the Australian Government will be investing in its ongoing AUKUS preparations. This supplements the expansion funding already committed by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD).
To meet the growth in demand from the Royal Navy, which includes AUKUS delivery commitments, work is already underway to double the size of the Rolls-Royce Submarines site in Raynesway, Derby.
Now jointly funded by UK MOD and the Australian Department of Defence, the expansion work announced last summer will create over 1,000 new jobs in Derby across a range of disciplines, including manufacturing and engineering. It will also see new manufacturing and office facilities being built on recently acquired land surrounding the existing Raynesway site.
In March 2023 it was confirmed that Rolls-Royce Submarines would provide all the nuclear reactor plants that will power new attack submarines as part of the tri-lateral agreement between Australia, the UK and US.
Rolls-Royce Submarines President Steve Carlier said: “Last year we were proud to welcome the Hon Richard Marles MP, Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, and UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, to our Raynesway site to showcase some of the world-class manufacturing and engineering capabilities we have developed over the last 60 years.
“This commitment of funding to our existing expansion work shows the trust Australia places on our nuclear expertise and our ability to deliver. We look forward to working with the Australian Submarine Agency to support them in building their own fleet of nuclear-powered submarines.”
Grant Shapps MP, UK Secretary of State for Defence, said: “In a more dangerous world, today’s announcement symbolises the huge confidence our close partner Australia has in our world-leading defence industry, including companies such as BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce.
“Through these collaborations, British industry will grow, and thousands of jobs created across the country, delivering security and prosperity to our two nations.”
To support preparation for AUKUS and to meet the additional commitments to the MOD, Rolls-Royce recently announced the opening of two satellite offices in Glasgow and Cardiff. The locations were selected to help access the skilled talent pools in both regions, with more than 100 jobs being created in each city.
To further ensure a steady pipeline of future talent into the industry, Rolls-Royce opened a new Nuclear Skills Academy in Derby in 2022. It will provide 200 apprenticeships each year for at least the next decade.
Rolls-Royce Submarines currently employs more than 4,000 people and designs, manufactures and provides in-service support to the pressurised water reactors that power every boat in the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet.
Rolls-Royce is currently supporting the existing Astute and Dreadnought boat build programmes through the delivery of reactor plant and associated components. Additionally, it provides frontline support across the world for reactor plant equipment from its Operations Centre in Derby and supports the submarines when in the Barrow-in-Furness shipyard and the naval bases at Devonport and Faslane.
Nordic company strengthens UK presence with acquisition of Nottinghamshire business
Nordic company Milient Software is enhancing its international presence by acquiring the Nottinghamshire-based business Flo10.
Milient and Flo10 will deliver next-level project management solutions.
Lars Owe Berge Nyland, CEO at Milient, said: “This acquisition marks a pivotal moment in Milient’s international expansion, cementing our status as a premier provider of innovative project management tools. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with the Flo10 team to elevate customer value and foster innovation in the architecture and engineering sectors.”
Combining Milient Software’s project management solutions with Flo10’s Knowledge Management System and project compliance will give architects, engineers, and construction professionals a complete platform to successfully manage their operations and projects.
Flo10’s founders, Matthew Nickerson and Aidan Boustred, said: “We are looking forward to taking the next step together with Milient Software, providing complementary products to our customers, adding value, and entering new markets.”
Fostering a culture of innovation and sustainability in local businesses
Fostering a culture of innovation and sustainability is pivotal for local businesses aiming for growth and resilience. These two elements are the backbone of success in a competitive market, ensuring companies thrive today and continue to lead into the future. By embracing these principles, businesses can navigate challenges more effectively, adapt to changes in the market, and build a loyal customer base committed to their success.
The foundation of innovation
Innovation isn’t just about groundbreaking technology or disrupting markets; it’s fundamentally about solving problems in new ways that add value to customers and the business itself. Local businesses stand to gain significantly by fostering an environment where every team member feels empowered to suggest and try new approaches. A culture that celebrates creative thinking and learning from trial and error can transform modest ideas into impactful innovations.
To create such an environment, leadership should openly encourage and reward creativity. This could be as simple as setting aside time each week for team members to work on projects outside their regular responsibilities or offering small incentives for ideas that improve efficiency or customer satisfaction. Highlighting and celebrating these innovations, no matter how small, reinforces their value to the company and encourages ongoing participation.
Building blocks of sustainability
Sustainability goes beyond environmental stewardship; it’s about creating practices ensuring long-term economic viability and respecting the community and the natural world. For local businesses, this means integrating sustainable practices into everyday operations, ranging from reducing waste and energy consumption to sourcing materials responsibly and supporting local economies.
One effective step is to conduct a sustainability audit to identify areas where improvements can be made, such as switching to energy-efficient lighting or reducing unnecessary packaging. Another strategy is to engage employees in sustainability efforts, making them active participants in the company’s green initiatives. This helps achieve sustainability goals and builds a sense of purpose and commitment among the team. Sharing these efforts and their impacts with customers can also enhance brand reputation and customer loyalty, showing that the business is a responsible member of the community.
Leveraging technology for a greener future
Adopting technology smartly can lead businesses towards greener practices, significantly reducing their environmental footprint while enhancing efficiency. A standout move for local businesses is transitioning towards paperless operations. This shift conserves resources and streamlines processes, making information more accessible and reducing clutter.
A practical step towards achieving a paperless environment is the digitalisation of documents. By moving invoicing, record-keeping, and communications online, businesses can reduce their reliance on physical paper. A digital management system facilitates easier access to documents, improves security, and speeds up information retrieval, enhancing overall productivity. It is easy to create an interactive PDF flipbook. These flipbooks represent an innovative solution for when documents or booklets are necessary. They provide an engaging user experience, combining the tactile feel of flipping through pages with the convenience and sustainability of digital media. These flipbooks can be used for marketing materials, product catalogues, or training manuals, offering an immersive and interactive experience without the environmental impact of printed materials. Moreover, integrating features such as videos, links, and animations into these flipbooks can elevate the content, making it more attractive and informative for the audience.
Strategies for cultivating an innovative and sustainable culture
Cultivating a culture that prizes innovation and sustainability begins at the leadership level. Leaders must embody the values they wish to instil in their teams, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices and innovative thinking in their decision-making and problem-solving approaches.
Encouraging a culture of open communication and collaboration is key. This involves creating spaces where employees feel safe expressing their ideas, and cross-departmental teams can collaborate on projects that drive innovation or enhance sustainability. Regularly scheduled brainstorming sessions can unleash the team’s collective creativity, while workshops on sustainability can educate and inspire employees to incorporate green practices into their work.
Recognising and rewarding innovative ideas and sustainable initiatives within the company can further reinforce these values. Through acknowledgement in company meetings, a spot in the company newsletter, or a rewards program, showing appreciation for employees’ contributions can motivate continued innovation and dedication to sustainability.
Engaging with the community for broader impact
Local businesses thrive when they actively engage with their communities, and fostering innovation and sustainability offers an excellent avenue for this engagement. By partnering with local schools, non-profits, and other businesses, companies can extend their impact beyond their immediate operations, contributing to a more vibrant, resilient, and sustainable community.
Collaborating on sustainability projects, such as community clean-ups or green space developments, benefits the environment and strengthens the bond between the business and its community. These activities can raise awareness about sustainability issues while showcasing the business’s commitment to making a positive impact.
Moreover, engaging with the educational sector by providing internships or project-based learning opportunities can spark innovation and nurture the next generation of leaders. Sharing insights and challenges with students brings fresh perspectives to the business and helps develop solutions that could lead to groundbreaking innovations. Using social media and the company’s website to share stories of community engagement and collaboration can further amplify the impact. It enhances the business’s reputation and encourages other organisations and individuals to join these efforts, creating positive change throughout the community.
Overcoming challenges on the path to innovation and sustainability
While the journey towards embedding innovation and sustainability into the fabric of a local business is rewarding, it’s not without its challenges. Resistance to change, budget constraints, and limited resources can hinder progress. However, these obstacles can be navigated successfully with strategic planning and perseverance.
Identifying champions within the organisation who can drive sustainability and innovation initiatives can help overcome resistance to change. These individuals can inspire and motivate others by demonstrating the tangible benefits of new practices and innovations.
For budget constraints, focusing on low-cost or cost-saving innovations and sustainability measures initially can demonstrate value and build the case for larger investments. For instance, energy efficiency measures often reduce costs and can fund further sustainability initiatives.
Leveraging local networks and partnerships can also provide resources and support. Joining forces with other businesses to purchase sustainable materials in bulk or share best practices can make sustainability efforts more feasible and effective. Alongside this, continuous education and keeping abreast of technological advancements can empower businesses to overcome these challenges. Learning from others, attending workshops, and participating in industry groups can provide fresh ideas and innovative solutions to drive the business forward.
The way forward
Embracing innovation and sustainability is essential for local businesses aiming to thrive in today’s competitive environment. This journey involves fostering a culture that values creative problem-solving and responsible practices, leveraging technology to minimise environmental impact, and engaging actively with the community to extend the reach of these efforts.
Commitment to these principles must be ongoing. The landscape of technology and sustainability is continually evolving, offering new opportunities and challenges. Staying informed, being open to change, and maintaining a proactive stance is vital for businesses that wish to remain relevant and successful.
Finally, the call to action for local businesses is clear: Begin today by setting concrete, achievable goals for innovation and sustainability. Whether reducing waste, implementing a new technology solution, or starting a community engagement project, each step is towards a more sustainable and innovative future. By taking these steps, businesses contribute to their success and the well-being of their community and the planet.
Flex office operator calls for volunteers to support literacy campaign
Flex office operator, Cubo, is looking for volunteers to support its campaign with national literacy charity, Bookmark, and help ignite the joy of reading in children.
Cubo, which was founded in Derby and now has 11 sites across the UK, adopted Bookmark Reading Charity as its annual charity for 2024 following a successful Christmas campaign, which raised £750.
Now, as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting literacy and community engagement, Cubo is expanding its efforts and looking for volunteers to join Bookmark’s Online Volunteer Reading Programme and help make a positive impact in children’s lives.
Volunteers will be required to take part in 30-minute sessions either once or twice a week reading stories and playing games with a child between the ages of 5 and 10 on the charity’s secure online platform. The programme involves 30-minute sessions with the same child, for six or twelve weeks.
Volunteers just need to commit to completing at least three programmes a year, although it is hoped they will do more. The volunteering programme is flexible and there’s no need to travel, although in-person literacy volunteer opportunities also exist.
Commenting on their support for Bookmark, Rebecca Brough, CMO at Cubo, said: “We are thrilled to be supporting the Bookmark campaign and have recruited our own team of Cubo volunteers who will be taking part in the online reading programme.
“We hope businesses and individuals will join us as volunteer to help develop vital literacy skills that will make a lasting impact on children’s lives.”
Bookmark was founded by Sharon Pindar in 2018 and aims to change children’s life stories through the joy of reading.
The charity works with children who face barriers to becoming readers by providing one-to-one reading programmes, both online and in person.
The charity also equips schools with dedicated resources to offer wraparound support, providing diverse, high-quality books, materials for extracurricular reading, and on-going support for teacher training and development.
As part of its mission, Bookmark aims to deliver 50,741 one-to-one reading sessions to children during 2024. This time, when scheduled back-to-back, equates to three years of non-stop reading.
The charity also aims to send out thousands of books and reading resources to children across the country, putting them directly into the hands of children who need them most.
Sharon Pindar, Founder & Chair of Trustees at Bookmark, added: “Our thanks go out to Rebecca and her team at Cubo for supporting this vital charity, which does such important work to improve literacy skills amongst young children.
“Helping a child learn to read will help them succeed, in school and beyond. By volunteering, you’ll get to see your young reader progress, knowing you are opening a world of opportunity for their future.”
Five sentenced for fraud and money laundering in Leicestershire
Five people have been sentenced for their involvement in a “persistent and carefully prepared” Leicestershire fraud and money laundering scheme which cost banks more than half a million pounds.
Ringleader and convicted fraudster Neale Rothera, 49, was jailed for six years and four months when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court for sentencing on Tuesday 19 March.
Four companies Rothera helped establish claimed to be in the business of selling carpets and furniture in the Leicestershire area. However, investigations by the Insolvency Service revealed all the companies, and most of the associated invoices, were in large part a sham.
Rothera’s accomplices Simon Wakefield, Frederick Penn, Shona Walters, and Laura Perkins were all sentenced at the same hearing.
Mark Stephens, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: “This has been an extremely complex investigation taking place over a number of years into a very sophisticated, persistent, and carefully planned fraud.
“Neale Rothera was the common theme throughout, devising the schemes and orchestrating their implementation.
“Rothera was ably assisted by the others who fronted the companies or helped him launder the fraudulently obtained funds while he acted as a shadow director. None of the individuals involved were exploited or coerced into taking part in this criminal behaviour and we hope these sentences serve a warning to those considering such fraudulent actions.”
The fraud centred around so-called ‘invoice factoring agreements’ between financial services institutions and four companies: Thistle Interiors Ltd, Sorrel Trading Ltd, Wakefield Trading Ltd, and Penn Interiors Ltd. Invoice factoring is a legitimate type of finance which allow businesses to access the money tied up in unpaid invoices from banks, instead of having to wait 30-90 days to be paid by their customers. But investigations by the Insolvency Service revealed many of the customers Rothera’s companies claimed to deal with either did not exist or they had not traded with them in the manner suggested by the invoices. The scheme was the brainchild of Rothera, who was previously convicted of fraud in 2011. A total of £562,901.64 was ultimately never recovered by the banks. Rothera was unable to put himself forward as a company director, as no bank would enter into a credit agreement with him. He therefore enlisted the help of Walters, Wakefield and Penn who became the sole directors of Thistle Interiors Ltd, Wakefield Trading Ltd, and Penn Interiors Ltd, and acted upon Rothera’s behalf. Walters, Wakefield and Penn played a willing and active role in dishonestly helping secure the factoring agreements for the companies and in obtaining the money from the banks. They all also maintained the lie that Rothera was actually called Neil Franklin as part of the deception. Once the credit had been successfully secured, the funds were either withdrawn in cash by each of the defendants or transferred into other accounts. Rothera used money from this fraud towards compensation he was ordered to pay after being convicted of another fraud offence in Scotland. He was sentenced at Elgin Sherriff Court in April 2012 after conning people out of thousands of pounds by fraudulently selling caravans at a holiday park in Moray. Wakefield withdrew £235,340 of the fraudulently obtained funds on Rothera’s behalf during a two-month period in July and August 2012. When interviewed by Insolvency Service investigators, Wakefield said that Rothera in return had paid for his car, gave him free meals, and provided free drink for him and his family. Rothera, 49, formerly of Station Road, Quorn, Leicestershire pleaded guilty to four counts of fraud by false representation and one count of money laundering in June 2022. He was jailed for six years and four months and disqualified as a company director for nine years. Shona Walters, 54, of Church Street, Lossiemouth, Moray, pleaded guilty to one count of fraud by false representation and one count of money laundering on the first day the trial was due to start in January 2024. She was sentenced to 19 months in prison, suspended for two years, 20 days rehabilitation activity, and 140 hours of unpaid work. Simon Wakefield, 53, of St Mary’s Crescent, East Leake, Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to one count of fraud by false representation and one count of money laundering in July 2022. He was sentenced to 22 months in prison, suspended for two years, 10 days rehabilitation activity, and 175 hours of unpaid work. Frederick Penn, 76, of Roughlands Drive, Carronshore, Falkirk, also pleaded guilty to one count of fraud and one count of money laundering on the first day of the trial in January 2024. He was sentenced to 19 months in prison, suspended for two years, 20 days rehabilitation activity, and 140 hours of unpaid work. Laura Perkins, 31, of Mundy Close, Burton on the Wolds, Leicestershire, also pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering in October 2020. Perkins, a bar manager who worked for Rothera, was handed an 18-month community order and ordered to complete 50 hours of unpaid work.Awareness of upcoming East Midlands mayoral election lags other areas of the country
The East Midlands will elect its first Mayor in May following the creation of the new East Midlands Combined Authority but only 33 per cent of public were aware of the date of the East Midlands mayoral elections and less than half (45 per cent) stated they will vote according to new public polling from Centre for Cities and Focaldata.
Awareness of the date of the mayoral election lags other areas of the country with mayoral elections in May, such as Tees Valley (45 per cent) and the West Midlands (38 per cent). On average across nine areas with mayoral election in May, 61 per cent of people said they expected to vote.
Higher figures in other places show there is potential to raise awareness. In areas with incumbent directly-elected mayors, 74 per cent of people were able to name their directly-elected mayor compared to 20 per cent who could identify their local authority leader and 43 per cent who could identify their MP.
Polling in East Midlands also found:
- When the electorate come to vote, the individual candidate matters more at mayoral elections than at a general election. At a mayoral election 46 per cent said they will cast their vote based on the individual candidate (and 54 per cent of people will vote for the party of their choice) but at a general election the figure for the individual candidate was 28 per cent (compared to 72 per cent voting for the party).
- People in mayoral areas are in favour of more devolution. Across a range of policy issues, there is an appetite to see decisions made at the local level, whether it is by metro mayors or the local authority. Most respondents believe that local leaders should have more responsibility over housing, transport, and homelessness in particular. Respondents in the East Midlands said they wanted local authorities to take on more power over housing (70 per cent) and transport (59 per cent).
