Today, senior public sector leaders from across the East of England gathered at Pathfinder House in Huntingdon to explore the opportunities and challenges presented by the Government’s English Devolution Bill and the 10-Year Health Plan. The event, hosted by Local Government East (LGE) in partnership with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority and Huntingdonshire District Council, focused on how devolution can drive sustainable, inclusive growth and reduce health inequalities across the region.
Agenda Highlights
The event opened with a welcome from Cllr Richard Siddall, Leader of Maldon District Council and LGE Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing, and Cllr Sarah Conboy, Executive Leader of Huntingdonshire District Council. Cllr Graham Butland, Leader of Braintree District Council and Chair of LGE, then set the scene, outlining the strategic importance of devolution for the region.
Cllr Sarah Conboy, Executive Leader of Huntingdonshire District Council, said:
“Being part of a combined mayoral authority brings significant advantages – especially the ability to unite the voices of our constituent councils and speak as one. This collective approach strengthens our profile on both the national and international inward investment stage”.
“In Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, our success at UKREiiF over the past two years is clear evidence of that impact. It’s been a true team effort between our politicians and officers, demonstrating the real power of partnership working.”
Cllr Graham Butland, Leader of Braintree District Council and Chair of LGE said:
“With Norfolk and Suffolk, and Greater Essex in the Government’s Devolution Priority Programme, and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough already operating under a Mayoral Combined Authority, the East of England is well-positioned to lead the way in shaping a more locally driven future, to maximise the benefits of devolution for residents across the region”.
A panel discussion chaired by Cllr Siddall explored the opportunities and challenges for sustainable growth, featuring:
- Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
- Michelle Sacks, Chief Executive of Huntingdonshire District Council
- Cllr Deborah Saw, Deputy Leader of Babergh District Council
- Kevin Fenning, Economic Regeneration Talent Bank Associate, LGE
Later, Katherine Merrifield (Health Foundation) and Mubasshir Ajaz (West Midlands Combined Authority) shared insights from the Mayoral Regions Programme, highlighting how devolution can support healthier communities.
A second panel, also chaired by Cllr Siddall, focused on reducing health inequalities, with contributions from:
- Rt Hon Sir Norman Lamb, former Minister for Care and Support
- Jan Thomas, Chief Executive of three NHS Integrated Care Boards
- Piers Ricketts, Chief Executive of Health Innovation East
- Laura Church, Chief Executive of Bedford Borough Council
Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough said:
“Devolution isn’t just about powers, it’s about people. It’s about making sure growth reaches every town and village.
With new mayors coming to Norfolk and Suffolk, and Greater Essex, the East of England has a real chance to build a powerful alliance and speak with one voice. That matters because when we work together, we can get things done.
Strong partnerships don’t happen overnight. That’s why we need to start building them now to make the most of the opportunities ahead.”
Supporting Regional Leadership
Local Government and health leaders across the East of England are keen to learn from and build on the powers that Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, and other Mayoral Strategic Authorities around the country, have for their places.
This event forms part of LGE’s programme of support for councils and partners navigating the evolving landscape of English Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation. It reflects a shared commitment to place-based leadership and collaborative working across sectors in the region
The event was generously sponsored by Health Innovation East, reinforcing the critical need for innovation in an increasingly complex health and care environment.