‘A catalyst for growth and innovation’: Hull University supports devolution deal
‘SIGNIFICANT OPPORTUNITIES’: The University of Hull, which is backing the devolution deal for Hull and East Yorkshire
By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor
The University of Hull is backing the proposed Hull and East Yorkshire devolution deal, it said today.
A consultation is under way on plans to create a Mayoral Combined Authority for Hull and the East Riding led by a directly elected mayor.
If supported, it would trigger £400m of investment in the region over the next 30 years, plus other benefits including rail electrification between Hull and Sheffield and Hull and Leeds, and new powers to shape local skills.
Business leaders including the Hull and East Riding Business Engagement Board are backing the plans, as are the leaders of Hull and East Riding Councils. Opponents, including Hull West and Hessle MP Emma Hardy, and Hull City Council’s opposition Labour Group, say the deal is not good enough and could lead to tax rises.
The university has now said it backs the deal.
It said in a statement: “The University of Hull is committed to supporting devolution for Hull and East Yorkshire and the significant opportunities it affords for growth and economic prosperity for the region.
“Devolution will offer immediate political and financial support for a range of critical infrastructure projects.
“In addition, the £400m long-term investment will enable local leaders to address regional challenges, including housing, jobs, skills and transport and provide a catalyst for innovation and growth.
“A Mayoral Combined Authority will improve collaborative decision-making on issues affecting the whole of Hull and East Yorkshire, and an elected mayor will be a high-profile ambassador for inward investment and provide a strong voice with policymakers in Whitehall.”
The statement added: “Devolution unlocks the opportunity for our region to secure one of the Government’s Investment Zones, which will drive growth, increase jobs and encourage investment, underpinned by world-leading university research and innovation.
“These investment zones in other regions are expected to deliver huge benefits, for example the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Zone in South Yorkshire will leverage more than £1.2bn of private funding, supporting more than 8,000 jobs by 2030. We expect similar benefits could be leveraged here.
“A leading foreign trading port and gateway to Europe, our region is home to world-class companies, whose private investment is crucial to future success.
“The devolution deal will be a catalyst for inward investment and will support the Humber industrial cluster to thrive, working with the Freeport, Future Humber and the planned Greater Lincolnshire Mayoral Combined County Authority.”
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:
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