‘Breakthrough’: Council leaders hail devolution deal sign-off
‘DELIGHTED’: Mike Ross and Anne Handley
By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor
The leaders of Hull City Council and East Riding Council have welcomed the news that the creation of a mayoral combined authority has been signed off by the Government.
The devolution agreement was ratified today, meaning the deal will progress through the next, final steps before a mayoral election next May.
It will give local leaders more power to make decisions in areas such as transport, adult education and housing, to hopefully boost economic growth and opportunity.
The announcement the deal has been agreed was made by Jim McMahon, Local Government and English Devolution Minister.
Councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, said: “After years of being left out in the cold on devolution, the people of Hull and East Riding can now get the fair deal they deserve.
“This is a big step forward in unlocking huge investment into the city, achieved by the two local councils working together.
“This devolution deal was backed by residents and businesses right across our communities. I look forward to seeing it becoming a reality, including the mayoral election next May.”
East Riding Council leader Coun Anne Handley added: “We’re delighted that the Hull and East Yorkshire devolution deal has been approved.
“This will be a fantastic opportunity to unlock investment for the region and improve strategic collaboration between Hull and East Yorkshire council areas.
“The mayoralty will provide a strong voice for the East Yorkshire region, and support communities and local businesses.”
Thomas Martin, chair of the Hull and East Riding Business Engagement Board, said: “Finally, the breakthrough that we in this region have been working towards for more than seven years.
“The politics and the economics have come together at last to create an exciting future for our region.
“I commend both local authority leaders for their courage and determination to make this happen, and I believe that investors will see our region fully open for business.
“This is another significant step on our journey towards economic regeneration, and I look forward to further progress on multiple fronts.”