A transfer of powers and cash from central Government could boost the whole South West region’s productivity and create jobs, East Devon District Council’s (EDDC) chief executive has said.

District councillors have discussed the first steps of the proposed Heart of the South West (HOTSW) devolution bid, which could eventually see EDDC, alongside 16 other South West local authorities, gain more autonomy from Westminster.

EDDC chief executive Mark Williams told the council’s overview and scrutiny committees that the HOTSW bid would focus on three ‘golden opportunities’ for economic growth.

One of these was the ‘greater Exeter’ area, which would centre on the multi-million-pound investment at the Science Park, Met Office and Exeter University.

Mr Williams said East Devon, as part of the ‘greater Exeter hinterlands’, would inevitably benefit from this investment.

Mr Williams added that the road to devolution would be a long one, and would involve consultation with councillors and the public, if and when it progresses.

“It is just a bid. That is all it is at this stage,” he said. “It doesn’t bind us to anything, it doesn’t commit us to anything.”

The council’s overview and scrutiny committees were asked to grant EDDC’s leader the power to sign the devolution bid, which has yet to be finalised, on behalf of the council.

But several committee members were unhappy with granting such authority before they had seen the finished document.

Lympstone councillor Rob Longhurst said: “I don’t like voting for something and giving delegated powers for something that I haven’t seen.”

Councillors agreed to revisit the issue at the full council meeting on Wednesday, December 16, after members have had a chance to review the bid.

Speaking after the meeting, council leader Councillor Paul Diviani said: “Devolving powers and resources to those best able to tackle our challenges and maximise our opportunities will release the productivity, competitiveness and growth that we and the nation need.”