Devo discussions across the region

Across the region devolution is back on the agenda. Ministers are meeting with leaders from across the region this week.

It started in South Yorkshire on Monday where Sheffield City Region mayor Dan Jarvis met with Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick. The Sheffield City Region leaders have launched a consultation on its £30m-a-year devolution deal following on the same day.

Today Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry will be in Leeds with Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury Simon Clarke to discuss a deal with West Yorkshire leaders.

Ahead of the meeting the West Yorkshire leaders issued a joint statement:

“We go into these discussions determined to secure a devolution agreement that meaningfully transfers powers and money from Whitehall to the Leeds City Region and helps us accelerate our work to deliver growth that benefits all our communities.

The statement  welcomed “the positive tone the Government has struck ahead of this meeting”. It also acknowledged a need to act quickly stating:

“We are ready to work quickly to secure an agreement which ensures the City Region is in the best possible position to improve the quality of life of our communities in the years to come.”

The week is expected to conclude with Mr Berry meeting leaders from North Yorkshire and the City of York on the day the UK leaves the EU.