East Yorkshire Devolution Consultation Approved

Devolution plans for the East Riding and Hull will go to a public consultation in January.

Both councils yesterday backed the move which is the next step in securing a deal with the government which would lead to the creation of an elected mayor with new powers and funding.

East Riding Councillor - Leo Hammond - thinks the deal would be good news for the region.

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

Councillor Philip Redshaw says the proposal isn't perfect but does bring benefits.

Councillor Redshaw says the Mayor would have an important role to play in economic development.

The deal, if implemented, would lead to the creation of a Hull and East Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA), led by a directly elected mayor.

The MCA would have powers to invest in areas such as transport, skills and housing, as well an additional £400m of devolved funding over the next 30 years to invest in local priorities.

Councillor Hammond says there are a number of areas which would benefit from the money a devolution deal would bring.

Councillor Hammond says the creation of an elected Mayor will help give local people more control over how money is spent in the region.

Councillor Michael Lee  says there is a broad political consensus for devolution.

Cllr Anne Handley, leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said:

“This is a huge step in our journey towards devolution and I’d like to thank all the councillors in the East Riding and Hull who have agreed to let the public have their say on this proposal.

“Devolution would bring hundreds of millions of pounds into our region, and give us the power to decide how to spend it, instead of having those decisions made in Westminster.

“Other regions all around us are already reaping the benefits, and we can’t afford to miss out any longer.

“I urge everyone in the East Riding and Hull to back this deal and help us deliver a brighter future of our region; one where we are in control of our own destiny.”

Cllr Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, said:

“I'm pleased the councils have agreed that we can put this new deal to the people of Hull and East Yorkshire.

“This means they will, rightly, have their chance to have their say on what is on offer.

“In January, people will be asked whether they support the devolution deal that brings new investment, extra jobs and more homes to the region.

“While Hull has been a forgotten city for so long, this deal provides new opportunities for residents in Hull and the East Riding.

“The council has demonstrated with this momentous decision that it backs the deal, but it is for the public who live and work here to now have their say and the consultation across January and February is the chance for them to do so.

“This deal secures £400 million of game-changing investment to transform and move our city forward, but - we have said all along that a deal will only progress if public support exists.”

The public will now get the chance to have their say on the proposed deal during an eight-week formal public consultation, which will begin on Tuesday 2 January.