Landmark devolution deal unlocks more funding and powers
New powers and millions of pounds worth of extra funding are coming to South Yorkshire this summer, as the region’s landmark devolution deal is agreed.
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.
The deal is set to be approved in Parliament in the coming weeks with a statutory instrument being used to pass this into law.
Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, said: “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.
“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 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.
Dan Jarvis
“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.”
The devolution deal is designed to bring benefits including control of a new, flexible single pot of funding for economic growth, which incorporates an additional £30m 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.
Minister for regional growth and local government, Simon Clarke MP, said: “I am delighted that we are today introducing an order to Parliament that, subject to its approval, will get the Sheffield City Region devolution deal over the line and unlock real benefits for people across South Yorkshire.
“This Government is committed to handing power to the local leaders across Yorkshire, and this is a significant first step in our ambition to deliver devolution across the region as we work to level up prosperity and opportunity everywhere.
“I want to thank the Mayor and local leaders for their efforts to ensure that this deal could move forward and secure £30m a year along with new powers that will make a real difference to people’s lives in the Sheffield City Region.”
