Devolution Deal Welcomed By Hull And East Riding Of Yorkshire Councils

Devolution Deal Welcomed By Hull And East Riding Of Yorkshire Councils
Devolution Deal Welcomed By Hull And East Riding Of Yorkshire Councils

The leaders of Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Councillor Daren Hale and Councillor Jonathan Owen, have welcomed the government’s announcement that they will begin negotiations on a ‘County Deal’ devolution agreement for Hull and the East Riding.

The opportunity for a Hull and East Riding devolution deal was announced as part of the government’s Levelling Up White Paper published today. The deal could unlock a multi-million-pound strategic investment in the region.

In March 2020, both councils confirmed their intentions to work closely together to progress a strong and ambitious case for a regional devolution deal between the two authorities.

Councillor Daren Hale said:

“We are pleased that the government has today committed to working with Hull and the East Riding to start negotiations for a ‘County Deal’ for our area. We have been pressing for local devolution for a number of years and our latest proposals were submitted to the government last September, laying out a compelling case for devolution to Hull and East Yorkshire.

“We want to work with the government to focus on our economic growth opportunities and shared priorities. Our commitment to formally work together brings with it the benefits of a larger geographic and more diverse area and our proposals are very ambitious so that we could punch above our weight as one of the smaller devolved regions.

“Our proposal is not for a Mayoral deal, because our area is too small, but for a strong Combined Authority chaired by one of the council leaders on a rotating basis.

“Focusing on the key themes of connectivity, productivity, inclusivity and sustainability, we now look forward to progressing our discussions with the government over the coming months.”

Cllr Jonathan Owen, leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “East Riding of Yorkshire Council welcome the invitation from Government to negotiate a ‘County Deal’ for Hull and the East Riding. This could enable us to realise significant benefits for our residents, our businesses and our wider economy.

“Key themes and priorities have been identified to enable growth opportunities and benefits to a larger geographic area. We look forward to working alongside the government and our neighbouring authority to support future investment opportunities in East Yorkshire.”



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