A new devolution deal for South Yorkshire will be laid before Parliament today, handing new powers and millions of pounds of funding to the region.
Sheffield City Region Mayor, Dan Jarvis, described it as a ‘landmark moment’.
He said: ‘The journey to reach this point has been long and difficult. I firmly believe it is worthwhile, as it provides leaders in South Yorkshire the opportunity to transform our region. I am confident we will seize this moment to build back better, creating a stronger, fairer, greener economy and society.’
He vowed to work alongside the leaders of the South Yorkshire councils – Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield – as the region works to rebuild the economy post COVID-19.
‘Collectively, we stand ready to unlock economic renewal for the region, the north and the nation, and devolution of powers from Westminster will help enable us to do this. We have new tools in our hands today. Together, we must put them to good use,’ he added.
The deal includes a new, flexible pot of funding for economic growth, including an additional £30m annual allocation over the next 30 years. It also includes devolved transport powers, adult education, increased planning capacity for housing and economic growth, and greater control over spending, the combined authority claimed.
Regional growth minister, Simon Clarke, said he was delighted to be introducing the deal to parliament.
‘This Government is committed to handing power to the local leaders across Yorkshire, and this is a significant first step in our ambition to deliver devolution across the region as we work to level up prosperity and opportunity everywhere,’ he said.
