Landmark South Yorkshire devolution deal agreed

South Yorkshire is set to get more powers and funding from central government after a landmark devolution deal has been agreed between the region’s local authorities and Westminster.

The order for the deal will be laid in Parliament today (29 June), after letters of agreement were submitted by Sheffield City Region mayor Dan Jarvis, and council leaders in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

It is set to be approved in Parliament over the coming weeks, and once it becomes law, the region will get the extra funding and powers.

The deal includes control of a new, flexible single pot of funding for economic growth, which incorporates an additional £30 million annual allocation over the next 30 years.

It also secures devolved transport powers and funding; full devolution of the Adult Education Budget of around £35m a year, for colleges and training providers; increased planning capacity and powers to deliver housing and economic growth; and greater control over how and where funds are directed.

‘This is a landmark moment for our region. We are seeing powers transferred from Westminster – it means more decisions about South Yorkshire will be made in South Yorkshire,’ said Sheffield city region mayor, Dan Jarvis.

‘The journey to reach this point has been long and difficult. I firmly believe it is worthwhile, as it provides leaders in South Yorkshire the opportunity to transform our region. I am confident we will seize this moment to build back better, creating a stronger, fairer, greener economy and society.

‘The deal comes at a crucial time, as we look to overcome the coronavirus pandemic. I am working alongside the leaders of our local authorities, and in partnership with our businesses, universities, colleges and central government, to secure new investment and put us on the road to a stronger, fairer future for South Yorkshire. Devolution does not stop at city region level. This is the start of our devolution journey, and working together across the wider region is going to be even more important than ever before.

‘Collectively, we stand ready to unlock economic renewal for the region, the north and the nation, and devolution of powers from Westminster will help enable us to do this. We have new tools in our hands today. Together, we must put them to good use,’ added Mr Jarvis.

Photo Credit – Hillside1958 (Pixabay)