Devolution deal agreed for Hull and East Yorkshire
The region will join the likes of Greater Manchester, Liverpool and the West Midlands in having a directly elected mayor
Hull and East Yorkshire will soon have directly elected mayor as the government has today signed off on a devolution deal for the region.
Four parts of England, including Hull & East Yorkshire will be receiving greater devolved powers as the UK continues to decentralise from Westminster.
Hull & East Yorkshire will join like likes of Greater Manchester, the Liverpool City Region, and the West Midlands in having a directly elected mayor.
By May 2025, as well as having an elected mayor the region will gain extra powers and will be able to make decisions about transport, housing, skills, and investment.
The Labour Party has long seen itself as ‘the party of devolution’ following the establishment of the national assemblies in Wales, Northern Ireland and, Scotland under Tony Blair’s New Labour regime.
It appears the current Labour Party are seeking to continue this trend as the Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: “This agreement will ensure local people will have a seat at the table as we drive forward our plans to deliver economic growth, and unleash the potential of towns and cities which have been neglected for far too long.”
The Leader of Hull City Council, Cllr Mike Ross said: “After years of being left out in the cold on devolution, the people of Hull and East Riding can now get the fair deal they deserve.”
He continued: “This is a big step forward in unlocking huge investment into the city, achieved by the two local councils working together.”
Cllr Ross’ Liberal Democrats have run Hull City Council since May 2022 and council leader is confident that his party can win the vote for a directly elected mayor.
He said: “With the Liberal Democrats running Hull City Council and the second biggest party in the East Riding it’s clear we’re best placed to win this election.”
The leader of East Riding Council, Conservative Anne Handley has also welcomed today’s news. Cllr Handley said: “We’re delighted that the Hull and East Yorkshire devolution deal has been approved.
“This will be a fantastic opportunity to unlock investment for the region and improve strategic collaboration between Hull and East Yorkshire council areas.
“The mayoralty will provide a strong voice for the East Yorkshire region and support communities and local businesses.”
Currently, East Yorkshire is the only remaining part of Yorkshire without a devolved body, which means the region has been missing out on increased powers and funding.
In addition to Hull & East Yorkshire, the government has also signed agreements to establish a mayoral combined authority for Greater Lincolnshire as well as new country combined authorities in both Devon & Torbay and Lancashire.