Devolution deadlock broken: South Yorkshire leaders forge "pragmatic" deal to free up cash and powers

SOUTH Yorkshire’s devolution deadlock has finally been broken with the forging of a pact which could pave the way for new powers and investment for the region.

They have sent a joint letter to Secretary of State James Brokenshire asking for powers and resources to be unlocked.

Mr Jarvis, council leaders Cllr Chris Read (Rotherham), Cllr Julie Dore (Sheffield), Cllr Sir Steve Houghton (Barnsley) and Doncaster Mayor Ros Jones talk in the letter of having had “productive conversations” and outline their plans to work with the Government to explore bringing more powers to the region while boosting the own ambitions and supporting wider Yorkshire devolution.

The hold-up of the past few years came about because Barnsley and Doncaster supported the One Yorkshire deal for the wider region while Rotherham and Sheffield wanted to see their own power centralised in South Yorkshire.

Mr Jarvis said: “This is an important day for our region. After months of negotiations, I’m delighted to have brokered  a joint devolution position with all of South Yorkshire’s leaders, that I believe will enable us to access the powers and resources that our region needs to continue its economic transformation.

“It is a pragmatic solution that enables first and foremost, the unlocking of the Sheffield City Region deal, whilst also supporting wider Yorkshire devolution ambitions.

“It is a solution that gives effect to the mandate upon which I was elected, is in line with the community polls held by Barnsley and Doncaster, and accords with the Government’s own stated position regarding the next steps for devolution.”

The letter to Government asks that millions of pounds in funding is unlocked for the Sheffield City Region — on the understanding that each authority is able to move to other devolution arrangements, should they wish to do so, in 2022, when Mr Jarvis’ current term of office ends.

The leaders are now waiting for the Government to formally respond to the letter.