Devolution: Hull & East Riding councils ‘set to agree’ historic deal for combined authority led by region’s first elected mayor

NEIGHBOURS: The boundary between Hull and the East Riding

EXCLUSIVE

By Angus Young

A devolution deal for Hull and the East Riding is set to be agreed, paving the way for the region’s first directly elected mayor.

A sign-off between the Government and the two councils is expected to happen before the end of the month. It follows a radical shift in position by the two councils.

For the last two years Hull and East Riding councils have pushed for a devolution deal for a combined authority without having an elected mayor like Greater Manchester’s Andy Burnham in charge. Instead, they proposed rotating the political leadership role between Hull Guildhall and County Hall in Beverley.

However, with key Government funding being increasingly directed towards mayor-led combined authorities, many business leaders claimed the region was in danger of losing out. At the moment it is the only part of Yorkshire without a deal bringing devolved funding and decision-making powers overseen by an elected mayor.

A shift in focus started last month when new East Riding Council leader Councillor Anne Handley confirmed one of her top priorities was to secure a mayor-led devolution deal for the region. Well-placed sources say Hull City Council leader Councillor Mike Ross is now prepared to back the move too.

Under the proposal, a mayoral election would take place in 2025 with the winning candidate heading a joint cabinet of senior councillors from both councils.

The responsibilities of the new-look combined authority would include strategic issues such as economic development, transport and skills. The existing councils would continue to operate separately delivering day-to-day services.

It’s believed Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove is eager to announce the Hull and East Riding deal at the same time as giving the go-ahead for a similar mayor-led deal for Greater Lincolnshire.