Next step for East Yorkshire devolution deal
East Riding and Hull’s council leaders have each put pen to paper on a proposed devolution deal with levelling up minister Jacob Young.
Cllr Anne Handley, leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Cllr Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council and the minister all signed the proposed deal yesterday at Ergo Business Centre near the Humber Bridge.
The deal, announced as expected in the Autumn Statement last week, should bring significant investment and new job opportunities to the area.
If approved, it would lead to the creation of a Hull and East Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA), led by a directly elected mayor, who could be elected in May 2025.
The MCA would have powers to invest in areas such as transport, skills and housing, and be able to access an additional £400m of devolved funding over the next 30 years to invest in local priorities.
The proposed deal will be considered by both local authorities’ full council meetings in December.
Subject to councillors’ approval, a period of statutory public consultation will follow in January.
Cllr Handley said: “I am thrilled to finally put pen to paper on this deal today, marking the next step in our devolution journey.
“I’m so proud of the hard work that has got us to this point, and I’m excited about the positive changes this deal will bring to East Yorkshire.
“With a £400m investment fund and new powers in key areas like transport, housing and adult education, this deal offers us a seat at the top table and the opportunity to truly level up our region.
“Our focus is and always will be what matters to our residents, and I encourage everyone to get involved and take part in the upcoming public consultation. This is our chance to shape the future of East Yorkshire.”