The devolution debate: For or against?
The proposed devolution deal for Hull and East Yorkshire is the biggest decision facing this region for decades. Simon Bristow looks at views on both sides of the debate
With just weeks left to give your views on a proposed devolution deal for our region, there is no shortage of opinion on either side.
In what would be the biggest shake-up of local government for 30 years, it’s a prospect that has its supporters champing at the bit, while opponents warn of costly extra bureaucracy and say it is the wrong deal at the wrong time.
At stake is potentially millions of pounds of investment, rail electrification, and a greater profile for the area through the voice of the region’s first directly elected mayor, like that of Andy Burnham in Greater Manchester, or Andy Street in the West Midlands.
Those arguing against say the money is not enough, fear taxes on residents may rise, and voice concerns about its impact on existing local councils and councillors.
One thing they all agree on, however, is the importance of taking part in the consultation and making your voice heard.
For Emma Hardy, the Labour MP for Hull West and Hessle, what’s on the table is not really devolution at all but a “power shift”.
In a letter to The Hull Story, she wrote: “At the heart of the issue is the illusion of devolved powers. Rather than empowering our local councils, the proposed deal seems to consolidate power in the hands of a newly elected mayor, with most powers originating from Hull and East Riding Councils, not central Government.
‘WE DESERVE BETTER’: Emma Hardy MP. Picture by Tom Arran
“This subtle shift could result in a reduction of influence of our local councillors, leaving residents with little say in the day-to-day matters that affect our community. This isn’t good enough.
“Moreover, let's address the financial implications. The promised funding of £13m per year, split between Hull and East Riding, appears generous at first glance.
“However, when we subtract the estimated £2m required for elections and the mayor's office, the actual financial benefit becomes meagre.
“Considering the severe budget cuts we've endured – with Hull losing over £110m annually – it's clear that this deal falls short of addressing the financial challenges our region faces.”
Ms Hardy continued: “One key concern is the potential increase in council tax.
“The proposed devolution deal places the financial burden on residents, who may see their council tax rise to fund an additional layer of government.
“With Hull City Council already contemplating a five per cent maximum-allowed council tax hike, it's important to question whether this is the right path for our community, especially in the face of a cost-of-living crisis, rent hikes, and economic uncertainties.
“As residents, we deserve better. We deserve a devolution deal that genuinely empowers our local councils, respects the unique needs of our region, and addresses the funding shortfalls that have affected essential services.
“The current proposal falls short of these expectations, offering a token gesture of devolution while maintaining a top-down approach to decision-making.”
Urging people to take part in the consultation, Ms Hardy wrote: “Now is the time for us to voice our concerns and demand a better deal for Hull and East Yorkshire.
“The ongoing consultation provides an opportunity for residents to make their opinions known. It's crucial that we participate in this process.”
In January, members of the Hull and East Riding Business Engagement Board, which advises the Hull and East Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership, attended a specially convened meeting to discuss the proposal.
They came out in support of the deal and later issued a joint letter explaining why.
It was signed by senior figures at Arco, the LEP, Future Humber, Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce, For Entrepreneurs Only, Horncastle Group, Pace Communications, Catch UK, Wykeland Group and Rix Group.
BACKING THE DEAL: Members of the Hull and East Riding Business Engagement Board, with Hull City Council leader Mike Ross, left, and East Riding Council leader Anne Handley, fourth from right
Collectively they employ more than 78,000 people across the region.
The letter said: “Any suggestion that this region, which is already years behind so many others in the North and Midlands, should wait until after a Labour win at the next general election is flawed.
“This will further delay getting this region moving.
“Having come this far and waited over ten years for our local politicians to see the light and work together, those in the private and voluntary sectors, who are the backbone of the region’s economy, want to see this deal happen now, not later.
“Business needs confidence and certainty to proceed.
“As we have seen in Greater Manchester, as well as in West and South Yorkshire and Merseyside, the first deals, done many years ago, were only a ‘starter for ten’.
“Since then, having managed investment and funding at local level effectively and used their devolved powers well, the Government has had the confidence to give them even more funding – a lot more.
“So our local priority must be to get on the devolution ladder.
“This deal has the potential to take our region from being in the North’s second tier of economic powerhouses to the first tier, where we belong.
“With a Freeport and a huge Net Zero agenda, where we are leading the country, we cannot afford to fail these industries and the growth prospects they will bring.”
It adds: “The motivation of local businesses in wanting this deal to succeed is not political.
“Our aim is to be objective – we only want what is best for the region’s economy and to improve, as soon as possible, the prospects for more growth, and better, jobs and the ongoing financial and social welfare of all the residents of our region.”
Also urging people to back the deal is the managing director of a business which has been at the heart of development and investment into Hull and the East Riding for more than 25 years.
David Garness, managing director of the Garness Group, says the devolution deal is an opportunity the region “must take” – or face being “forgotten” in the future.
‘WE MUST TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY’: David Garness
“As someone who has run a business which is heavily involved in the development of the region for more than two decades, I have seen how we have long required a collective approach when it comes to prosperity, progress and inward investment,” said Mr Garness.
“People have often said we are the ‘forgotten region’ – the place at the end of the line which never gets Government support and funding.
“Well now the Government is holding out its hand to lift us up and onto a level playing field with others. It is the opportunity we must take.”
He added: “The figures being talked about in terms of investment to drive growth and deliver local projects are attractive.
“We must realise now that Hull and the East Riding is already under serious threat of being left behind as other areas with Mayoral Combined Authorities are being prioritised for devolution and funding allocations.
“We are the only area in Yorkshire, and one a few in the North of England, without such status.
“If we don’t go down this route we, in my opinion, will become invisible to those controlling the purse strings in Government, and to those in the boardrooms of big businesses looking where next to invest.”
Have your say
The consultation runs until February 27.
You can read the proposal and give your feedback online at heydevolution.com.
Residents can also attend any of the following in-person consultation events:
Mon 5 Feb, 10am – noon – Gipsyville Library, Hessle Road
Mon 5 Feb, 1-3pm – Western Library, Boulevard
Tue 6 Feb, 1-3pm – Waudby Library, Helmswell Road
Thu 8 Feb 10am – noon – Woodford Leisure Centre, Holderness Road
Mon 12 Feb, 11am – 1pm – Avenue Library, Chanterlands Avenue
Mon 12 Feb, 2-4pm – Fred Moore Library, Wold Road
Wed 14 Feb, 10am – noon – East Park Library, Holderness Road
Wed 14 Feb, 1-3pm – Central Library, Albion Street
Thu 15 Feb, 10am – noon – Oasis Community Church, Newland Avenue
Thu 15 Feb, 5-7pm – Albert Avenue Pools and Fitness, Albert Avenue, HU3 6QE
Thu 22 Feb, 7-8:30pm – Hull Ice Arena, Kingston Street, HU1 2DZ