Classification: OFFICIAL

Derby / Metropolitan Strategy 2030

Frequently Asked Questions

Q Why have a Metro Strategy?

It is widely recognised that strong cities drive strong economies. The combined /Nottingham urban area is home to over one million people and is one of the top 30 population centres in Europe. This gives us a scale – nationally and internationally – that neither city can achieve on its own. Over 40,000 people regularly commute between Derby and Nottingham. The cities are already closely tied, and we believe that by working more closely together we can make them even better.

Together, we will be able to ‘punch above our weight’ when it comes to establishing a national presence and international reputation – and this will help us make the most of opportunities such as HS2, the Engine, and foreign trade and investment. This will be good for our cities, good for our citizens, and good for the wider economy.

Q Have any other partners been involved in developing the draft strategy and action plan?

We have discussed the strategy and action plan with a range of partners including neighbouring local authorities, the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, local universities and central government, and their response so far has been largely positive.

The consultation now signals the start of our broader engagement. We want to hear what local people and local businesses think as we recognise that the consultation may show up a range of issues that we will want to address.

Q Are the two Cities merging?

No. We will work together where it makes sense to do so and to address common challenges, but Derby and Nottingham will each retain their distinct identity and character.

Q Is it going to make any difference to how Council services are delivered? Are the two Councils merging?

The two Councils already work together across a range of issues and, by strengthening the relationship and establishing a framework for longer term collaboration, we will be able to explore areas where we might be able to deliver better, more efficient services for our citizens.

Whilst we will look at how we organise and manage our cities’ services in order to make improvements, the two City Councils will not be merging.

Q Will transport connections improve between the two cities?

Improving the connectivity between Derby and Nottingham is a priority, and this will be reflected in a new urban transport plan for the Metro area. We are committed to exploring ways of how we improve transport connections, for example, by using smart technology to coordinate our approach to congestion management, and by improving access to public transport.

We also believe that, by working together, we will have a stronger voice in strategic regional transport issues, in Midlands Connect and in HS2 Strategic planning.

Q How will this impact on the rest of and ?

It is widely recognised that strong cities drive strong economies, bringing economic benefits to their near neighbours and the wider region. The scale of the Metro area will enable us to make best advantage of opportunities such as the Midlands Engine, HS2, and foreign trade and investment. By so doing, we aim to create a thriving city region that will benefit the wider D2N2 area.

Q There are a lot of strategies and initiatives. How is this different?

The Metro Strategy is firmly placed within a broader set of economic plans and strategies that range from the pan-regional Midlands Engine and the D2N2 Strategic Economic Plan, through to local plans for town and cities across the area, as well thematic plans such as the HS2 Growth Strategy. Our aim is to set out a clear plan for the urban area that complements, contributes to, and aligns with these.

The difference we want to make is underpinned by five key ‘principles’ which express the spirit of our collaboration:

 Challenge ourselves: Always ask if we can add value by collaborating as two cities  Build understanding: Proactively build relationships and understanding between our cities  Collaborate: Engage other stakeholders who will benefit from strong, vibrant cities  Learn together: Respect our differences and keep our identities but learn from this diversity  Champion: Advocate for the urban and make the case for our cities

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Q Some things don’t appear in the documents, like housing or health, why not?

The draft strategy and action plan are a starting point, and we have deliberately focused initially on outward facing activity that supports economic growth. If you feel that there are important gaps that you would like to see the two cities working together on, then we would like to hear your views through the consultation.

Q What are you going to do this year?

As this is the starting point much of our activity will be based in building relationships, assessing and analysing potential opportunities, and developing a framework for longer term collaboration. At the same time, there are some areas where we believe we can make an immediate difference, which include:

 Collaborating on our overseas promotion and campaigns – starting with a joint business delegation to China this autumn  Developing a joint skills plans for the Derby & Nottingham area, including plans to maximise the opportunities of HS2  Developing a joint festival and events programme  Exploring opportunities for joint working, pricing, offers and operation at leisure facilities across both cities

We are already working together to secure joint funding that will support our shared ambitions in a number of areas.

Q How can I give my views on the Metropolitan Strategy?

You can go to either the Derby City Council or website and look in the consultation sections. There is a simple SNAP survey for you to complete. The links are below:

www.xxxxx

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Q How long is the consultation open?

The deadline for responses is 19 September 2016.

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