South Yorkshire leaders send 'levelling up' report to Prime Minister
It's been put together by experts from Sheffield Hallam Uni
South Yorkshire leaders are sending a new plan to the Prime Minister for how best to level up the North of England.
It's been written by experts from Shefield Hallam Uni Professor Steve Fothergill and Dr Tony who say there needs to be more emphasis on growing manufacturing and improving rail links here.
They also think the uplift in Universal Credit needs to continue and councils need more investment.
Sheffield City Region Mayor Dan Jarvis tells us the government's actions haven't lived up to their promises yet:
“There is so much that is great about living and working in the North, but our communities have suffered years of neglect and austerity.
"We hear a lot from this government about 'levelling up', but so far, it’s more slogan than substance – they can’t even define what they are trying to achieve.
"This report sets out what any effort needs to be taken seriously."
The plan is backed by forty councils across the North.
Leader of Barnsley Council Steve Houghton says:
“We’re pleased that levelling up of the North is on the agenda, but we need to start this process now. Our plan for the North kick starts the conversations across the North and with the government to make sure we give people living and working in places like Barnsley, Blackburn and Bedlington the best future possible.
“The North needs a 20-year strategy that details the short, medium and long-term actions. Over that period, we must have consistent policy and investment plans that fund public services adequately and recognise the deprivation that has occurred in areas like Barnsley through lack of proper investment from the government.
“With the right long-term investment and devolution of budgets and decision-making, we can drive forward prosperity and infrastructure across the North creating a positive impact for our residents."