YORKSHIRE is “big enough and bold enough to want to carve out its own destiny”, according to a new coalition of councils within the county pushing for devolution.
A total of 17 local authorities issued a joint declaration yesterday as the region marked Yorkshire Day.
The statement revealed the form-ation of a “coalition of the willing” to press Westminster for a powers deal.
The move marks the latest development in efforts to gain greater autonomy for the region, which has a population of more than 5.3 million, based on the introduction of directly elected mayors “in the first instance”.
Despite a range of proposals, councils have found it difficult to agree anything like a pan-Yorkshire deal, with the biggest schism being between Sheffield and the rest of the county.
Sheffield and other councils in South Yorkshire and the north Midlands agreed a deal with the government for the Sheffield City Region, which was to be sealed with the election of a mayor in June.
However, the election was postponed following a court ruling about a flawed consultation process – a decision which re-ignited the debate about the best way forward.
Following the deal, Doncaster and Barnsley said they were also looking at an outline proposal from West Yorkshire for a whole-Yorkshire devolution option.
Strains within the South Yorkshire grouping have also intensified, with disputes over the siting of an HS2 station in the region.
Now 17 councils – including Leeds, Bradford and Hull but not Sheffield and Rotherham – have issued a statement saying: “Today is Yorkshire Day and therefore it seems right to talk today about our county, its ambitions and our identity. Last Friday, Yorkshire leaders met in York in a positive and constructive meeting and agreed that they have strong common cause.
“The county is big enough and bold enough to want to carve out its own destiny.
“Leaders were focused on increasing productivity and growing an inclusive economy that works for all.
“The leaders agreed unanimously to form a ‘coalition of the willing’, working towards securing a single ambitious devolution deal for the Yorkshire authorities and areas wanting to work together on this basis.”
The statement went on: “Over the coming weeks, the leaders committed to exploring these proposals with colleagues, local stakeholders including MPs, business, unions and political groups. Leaders plan to meet again in early September to decide how best to take this negotiation forward with Government at pace and with local backing.”
The UK Government has previously indicated opposition to a Yorkshire-wide deal.
Yesterday the Department for Communities and Local Government said it was already helping the region develop, stating: “This Government is 100 per cent committed to devolving powers to local areas where there is strong support for plans to deliver better local services, greater value for money and clear accountability.
“We’re also boosting growth across the Northern Powerhouse and today, on Yorkshire Day, we’ve announced up to £5 million for Sheffield City Region’s new employment scheme, which will help local people with high-quality jobs.”
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