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There are concerns that plans to create an elected Mayor for Hull and the East Riding could lead to a merger of the two authorities.
The idea is to create a new body lead by an elected Mayor which would take over some powers and funding from Westminster.
The mayors office would work alongside the existing councils which would continue to operate as they are.
But East Riding Councillor David Nolan, thinks there will be impacts on East Riding Council and says he is worried about the long term effect.
Councillor Nolan is concerned that the relatively small size of both the councils might lead to a longer term merger of the two authorities.
The devolution plan would see the Mayor take on new powers and funding from Westminster.
Councillor David Nolan is concerned that the East Riding might not get it's fair share of the cash.
East Yorkshire Council Leader, Councillor Anne Handley, says the East Riding would continue to be separate from Hull, and says Humberside will not be returning.
Councillor Anne Handley says the county will remain an independent body and any new mayor would get new powers and funding devolved from Whitehall.
She feels its a sensible step forwards.
The Government's Levelling Up White Paper, published in 2022, set out three levels of devolution.
Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire councils have agreed a proposed Level 3 devolution deal with the Government, which includes an elected mayor.
Should the public back the deal, a mayoral combined authority will be formed, with a mayoral election expected to taking place in spring/summer 2025.
East Riding Council says that Hull and East Yorkshire devolution would:
- Provide new and additional money and resources to invest in our economy, communities and places, with the promise of more in future spending cycles.
- Provide support for accessible jobs to be created, addressing the long-term challenges for people living in the area particularly in our more deprived communities such as parts of Hull, Goole, Bridlington and Withernsea.
- Increase local decision-making on investments affecting the area.
- Create new and enhanced relationships with government, helping to directly influence decisions affecting the area.
- Provide the certainty for more investment by the private sector in the area
An eight-week formal public consultation on the proposal began on Tuesday 2 January and runs until February 27th. It can be found at https://www.heydevolution.com/
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