Devolution deal signed off for Hull, East Yorkshire and Greater Lincolnshire

Creation of Hull and East Yorkshire’s Mayoral Combined Authority has now been signed off by the Government.

The agreement means that Hull and East Yorkshire’s devolution deal will progress through the next steps towards a mayoral election in May 2025.

The deal will give local leaders the power to make decisions in areas such as transport, adult education, and housing, boosting economic growth and opportunity.

Confirmation was made by Jim McMahon, Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution.

Councillor Anne Handley, leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “This will be a fantastic opportunity to unlock investment for the region and improve strategic collaboration between Hull and East Yorkshire council areas.

“The mayoralty will provide a strong voice for the East Yorkshire region and support communities and local businesses.”

Cllr Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, said: “After years of being left out in the cold on devolution, the people of Hull and East Riding can now get the fair deal they deserve.

“This is a big step forward in unlocking huge investment into the city, achieved by the two local councils working together.

“This devolution deal was backed by residents and businesses right across our communities. I look forward to seeing it becoming a reality, including the mayoral election next May.”

Thomas Martin, chairman of the Hull and East Riding Business Engagement Board, said: “Finally, the breakthrough that we in this region have been working towards for more than seven years.

“The politics and the economics have come together at last to create an exciting future for our region.

“I commend both local authority leaders for their courage and determination to make this happen, and I believe investors will see our region fully open for business.

“This is another significant step on our journey towards economic regeneration, and I look forward to further progress on multiple fronts.”

Simon Bird, chair of Humber Freeport, which is driving major inward investment into the region with well over £1bn secured to date, added: “We warmly welcome the new Government’s approval for devolution deals for Hull and East Yorkshire and Greater Lincolnshire.

“This landmark decision means the Humber region will benefit from devolved powers and additional funding, as well as ensuring it has a much more powerful political voice.

“We applaud the work of the four local authority leaders around the Humber estuary whose persistence has been crucial in getting these deals done.

“We also welcome the Government’s specific recognition of the key role Humber Freeport will play in ensuring pan-Humber co-operation over coming years to ensure opportunities for investment and growth within the sub-region are maximised.

“As a pan-Humber organisation, working closely with both the public and private sectors, we are committed to supporting the devolution process and look forward to working closely with the new combined authorities and elected mayors to unlock the Humber’s huge potential.”