Devolution: New combined authority could be created this autumn after bid sent to Secretary of State

READY TO PROGRESS: Hull City Council leader Mike Ross and East Riding Council leader Anne Handley

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

Hull and East Riding Unitary Leaders’ Board has today approved the submission of Hull and East Yorkshire’s devolution proposal to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

More than 5,800 people shared their views and feedback on the proposals during an eight-week consultation, giving “broad support” for devolution to Hull and East Yorkshire.

The proposal, along with a summary of the consultation results, will now be submitted for consideration by the Secretary of State.

If the Secretary of State is satisfied the tests for the creation of the new combined authority have been met, the new authority could be established in autumn 2024.

Hull and East Riding councils will now work closely together to help to establish a combined authority for the area, including delivery of over £26m capital projects over the next year, they said. 

These projects will see investment in transport, flooding, coastal protection, brownfield land, and green skills. 

Councillor Jackie Dad, deputy leader of Hull City Council, said: “I am delighted that the proposal submission has today been approved and that we can take the next steps in our journey towards devolution.

“I’d once again like to thank all those who took part in the consultation and would like them to know that their contribution has played a vital role in shaping the region’s future.”

Councillor Anne Handley, leader of East Riding Council, said: “I would again like to take this opportunity to thank everybody who took part in the consultation.

“I am delighted that we are now able to submit these exciting proposals to the Secretary of State and we look forward to his response.

“In the meantime, we will begin preparatory works with Hull City Council on the first steps towards the new combined authority, aimed at achieving funding for major investment in significant projects to benefit our local residents.”