Business leaders welcome deal as step towards wider devolution
BUSINESS LEADERS in South Yorkshire have welcomed steps towards a devolution deal but maintained they still remain fixed on the “ultimate prize” of a region-wide agreement to secure powers from Westminster.
A breakthrough in securing the devolution deal in the south of the region was announced on Wednesday, unlocking at least £900m for the area and opening the door for deals to be done elsewhere in Yorkshire.
However, the hope of eventually reaching a One Yorkshire deal has not been forgotten, with the Government committing to support for a board of leaders from across the region to continue meeting and setting strategic aims.
Doncaster Chamber’s chief executive, Dan Fell, said: “Securing a South Yorkshire devolution deal is a positive step for Doncaster and the region.
“Whilst the Chamber – led by member sentiment – has, and continues to advocate for, full Yorkshire devolution, Doncaster businesses have always been extremely pragmatic about how this is achieved and the need to take iterative steps in pursuit of the ultimate prize.”
The Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, also reiterated she was still pursuing a Yorkshire-wide deal, despite signing up to the South Yorkshire pact.
The original agreement in South Yorkshire was signed in 2015, but Doncaster and Barnsley opted to pursue a Yorkshire-wide deal which had not been legislated in Parliament.
Both Doncaster and Barnsley held community referendums to gauge support for a Yorkshire deal.
Turnout was less than 25 per cent, but the vast majority of the public backed a Yorkshire deal.
Ms Jones said: “In 2017, Doncaster residents voted overwhelmingly in favour of a wider Yorkshire devolution deal and today’s announcement is a significant step towards this.
“Pursuing a Yorkshire-wide deal is still very much our intention.
“However we welcome the agreement from the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to work with us to progress our ambition for a Yorkshire wide devolution deal, whilst still allowing the South Yorkshire devolution deal to progress, unlocking significant opportunities and investment.”
Mr Fell added: “This compelling deal is, however, much more than just a stepping stone and could be a welcome fillip to an economy which, for the last couple of years, has been beset by uncertainty.”
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said he was “determined to see the people of South Yorkshire benefit from all the powers and investment envisaged in the deal”.
Pursuing a Yorkshirewide deal is still very much our intention. Doncaster Mayor Ros Jones.