The Sheffield City Region devolution deal has today been agreed by the Mayor and all four Leaders and will now proceed to public consultation.
Councillor Julie Dore, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “We are very pleased to have got to the point where we can do this devolution deal. We have always been clear that this is the best deal for the people of Sheffield and the wider city region, and will also be the key to opening further doors to access more funding from different sources.
“This is a deal for people, in particular young people across Sheffield and South Yorkshire, and it will enable us to invest in their skills and equip them to take jobs in growing sectors. It’s about investing in infrastructure, including transport links, and supporting local businesses to become good employers and provide jobs. But at the heart of all this is investment in the future for people who live, work and learn in Sheffield.”
Statement on devolution from Mayor Dan Jarvis, Cllr Julie Dore, Cllr Steve Houghton, Mayor Ros Jones and Cllr Chris Read:
“We’re pleased to announce that the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government has confirmed he will be working with us to progress devolution.
“Subject to the Sheffield City Region devolution deal being advanced to a positive conclusion, he has also agreed to progress discussions on the role and functions of a Committee of Leaders from across Yorkshire, based on the existing Yorkshire Leaders Board. All South Yorkshire councils will have the opportunity to join any full Yorkshire devolution arrangement if they choose to do so.
“We will be considering a paper at the Mayoral Combined Authority meeting on Monday 27 January and, subject to final agreement at that meeting, we will be launching a public consultation on the proposals.
“This represents a significant step forward in securing additional powers and resources for our region.”
