Public to have say on deadlock-breaking South Yorkshire devolution deal

Regional mayor Dan Jarvis (pictured) said the agreement by South Yorkshire’s four councils was “significant step forward” towards gaining extra power and investment.

It was put forward to the Government last year and Sheffield City Region has now been given the go-ahead for further progress by communities secretary Robert Jenrick.

The deal aims to free up the log jam which has held up progress for years, with Doncaster and Barnsley previously in favour of a Yorkshire-wide deal and Rotherham and Sheffield intent on concentrating efforts within their own county.

It commits all four councils to a South Yorkshire-focused set-up, while Barnsley Council leader Sir Steve Houghton said it would not prevent Barnsley and Doncaster having the opportunity to join any full Yorkshire devolution at a future date.

Mr Jarvis said: “This represents a significant step forward in securing additional powers and resources for our region.”

Rotherham Council leader Cllr Chris Read said it was vital to now make “quick progress” to secure the funding for jobs and opportunities, adding: “Devolution will accelerate that growth and support our aims to extend prosperity and opportunity, putting us alongside many other similar parts of the country who are already benefiting from devolution settlements.”

Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce welcomed the news, with chief executive Andrew Denniff calling it “a genuine opportunity for our politicians to deliver positive change for South Yorkshire and one which will end the investment delay which was promised to the region several years ago”.  

But he added: “Whilst this is clearly positive news for the Sheffield City Region, I would urge our politicians to continue to work collaboratively. 

“There must not be any further delays in securing the investment promised to our region.”