04.09.17
Leaders reaffirm commitment to One Yorkshire devo deal
Council leaders in Yorkshire have pledged their colours to progress a ‘Coalition of the Willing’ One Yorkshire devolution deal with the government.
Following a meeting last week, local authority leaders, including those from Barnsley and Doncaster, supported this ambitious approach to devolution. And those present unanimously agreed it is the most effective way to build an “inclusive economy within Yorkshire that works for all”.
Barnsley, Bradford, Calderdale, Craven, Doncaster, East Riding of Yorkshire, Hambleton, Harrogate, Hull, Kirklees, Leeds, North Yorkshire, Richmondshire, Ryedale, Scarborough, Selby and York councils were represented at the meeting.
A statement released by the leaders revealed that officers have been tasked to develop proposals for a county devolution deal, working with stakeholders, MPs, businesses, unions and political groups.
“At the same time, we will be seeking an urgent meeting with ministers to discuss how best we can work as partners to progress a One Yorkshire devolution deal and obtain clarity on the government's position,” the leaders added.
“We are confident that given the right deal and the right funding, Yorkshire can finally complete the missing piece in the Northern Powerhouse project benefiting Yorkshire, the north and the whole country in the process.”
The news comes just a few weeks after the new West Yorkshire Combined Authority chair, Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, promised to press for ‘meaningful’ Yorkshire devolution. However, last month, councils in Rotherham and Sheffield stated that they were still committed to delivering the only deal that was on the table – the deal for South Yorkshire signed in October 2015.
Northern Powerhouse minister Jake Berry also recently asserted that the South Yorkshire deal was the only one being considered by DCLG. PSE has contacted the department for a comment on the latest developments, but at the time of publication had not received a reply.
Picture caption: Representatives from Barnsley, Bradford, Calderdale, Craven, Doncaster, East Riding of Yorkshire, Hambleton, Harrogate, Hull, Kirklees, Leeds, North Yorkshire, Richmondshire, Ryedale, Scarborough, Selby and York councils meet in York.
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