HEYCA gets up and running
A package of investments have been signed off by the first meeting of the Hull & East Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Members of the executive board agreed to back a series of proposals at Wednesday’s meeting.
Among items discussed included the Combined Authority receiving a proportion of the billions of pounds announced to tackle transport infrastructure, including funding for bus service improvement plans – an area in which both West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire have pursued bus franchising under their respective combined authorities.
In addition, £15m will be made available to support transport, flood and coastal erosion programmes across the area, along with a coastal regeneration programme in the East Riding of Yorkshire, and a brownfield employment programme in Hull, subject to agreement of the relevant business cases.
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Further money can also be accessed to support the area’s economic growth priorities for offshore wind, and also to address the effects of climate change at the coast.
There is also £1m earmarked towards the Howden link road scheme to support housing development in the area.
HEYCA’s executive board is comprised of two councillors from both unitary authorities in the Hull and East Yorkshire area, along with no more than four other non-voting members.
Hull City Council is represented by Leader, Cllr Mike Ross, and his deputy, Cllr Jackie Dad. East Riding is represented by Leader, Cllr Anne Handley, and deputy Cllr David Tucker.
The non-voting members are made up of representatives from the Hull and East Yorkshire businrss and skills boards.
From May, the board will be led by an elected mayor.
Cllr Jackie Dad said: “I’m delighted that we have got to this stage in our devolution journey and that we have had a successful first meeting.
“There’s been a lot of hard work to get us this far, but huge investment can now come into our region, allowing us to further tap into the talent and drive that people have here.”
Cllr David Tucker said: “It’s fantastic to reach this historic milestone in the devolution process.
“The Combined Authority will play a crucial role in devolving powers from Westminster and delivering for our residents of Hull and East Riding, and I look forward to working with the Board to unlock investment and opportunities for our region.”
HEYCA’s devolution deal with government has unlocked a £400m investment fund, alongside powers that will move from Westminster to local decision-makers.
