Consultation under way on £1.3 billion devolution plans

RESIDENTS were canvassed for their views on a  £1.3 billion devolution deal at a town centre roadshow – and there is still time to have your say.

Sheffield City Region — which brings together nine local authority areas in South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire and North Nottinghamshire, including Rotherham — is set to receive an additional £1.3 billion under a new deal to devolve greater responsibility and control over decisions which are currently taken by central Government.

The City Region would have new powers and funding to improve transport, infrastructure, skills, housing and other drivers of business and economic growth.

The powers would be exercised by council leaders and a directly-elected city region mayor.

A consultation has been launched to seek the views of local people and businesses on how the devolution deal, secured in principle in October last year, will work in practice, with a number of roadshow events taking place around the region.

A Rotherham roadshow was held in All Saints’ Square last Wednesday, with council leader Cllr Chris Read on hand to answer questions.

He said devolution “could be the key to unlocking many of the significant projects we are looking to deliver here in Rotherham, and to securing the skills development and jobs that are so critical to Rotherham's economic regeneration”.

You can take part in the online consultation at www.sheffieldcityregiondevolution.org.uk.