Councils back Sheffield City Region devolution deal

Sheffield City Region’s devolution deal is a step closer to reality after the region’s local authorities backed the agreement.

BBC News reported that Sheffield City Council was the last authority to back the agreement, which will give the region access to £900m funding over the next 30 years.

The deal is set for ratification by the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority on March 31. Mayoral elections will be held in 2017 if the deal is approved.

Sheffield City Region had raised objections based on mayoral powers – specifically the right for mayors to veto unanimously supported decisions – but last week said its concerns have been addressed, the BBC reported.

Barnsley Council was the first of the nine affected councils to agree to the deal. Bassetlaw, Bolsover, Chesterfield, Derbyshire Dales, Doncaster, North East Derbyshire, Rotherham subsequently came on board, before Sheffield gave its approval.

Last week, TheBusinessDesk.com saw a letter circulated by business leaders in Leeds, urging action on devolution as a deal for West Yorkshire remains distant.