Reform chief slams new authority as ‘waste of money’ and a ‘monster’

REFORM’S Derbyshire County Council leader has claimed the combined authority is a “waste of money” and a “monster” which has hired “600-800” staff “we didn’t need”.

- By EDDIE BISKNELL

Cllr Alan Graves made the statements in a county council meeting this week on the movement of public transport responsibilities up to the East Midlands Combined County Authority.

The combined authority has told the Derby Telegraph that it currently employs around 200 people.

Cllr Graves said: “I am against the formation of the combined authority because it adds another layer of local government.

“However, now that it is here we have to use the tools that we have. It is a tool and while I opposed it we now need to work with it.

“It does take up a lot of councillor time and takes up two counties.

“We need to ensure Derbyshire gets its fair share and we have a good influence on the decisions they are making.”