Minister agrees on 'landmark' devolution deal that will bring millions to South Yorkshire

A ‘landmark’ devolution deal that will bring millions of pounds of new funding to South Yorkshire has been agreed.

The deal, which was agreed on today by the minister of state for housing, communities and local government, will equip local leaders with the tools and resources to ‘build back better’ from the coronavirus pandemic.

The South Yorkshire Devolution deal, which was first proposed in 2015, will help support jobs and businesses, as well as “unlock opportunities” for residents.

Dan Jarvis, mayor of the Sheffield City Region, said: “The landmark South Yorkshire Devolution deal has today been signed into law.

“This is a great day for South Yorkshire because millions of pounds in additional funding and new powers are available to support jobs and businesses, unlock opportunities for our people and deliver better public services.

“Devolution will open up our local knowledge and networks, bring power closer to the people, and help us reshape our economy and society in a way which reflects our values and priorities.

“I am determined to create a stronger, greener and fairer South Yorkshire and North and this is just the start of our journey.”

Minister for regional growth and local government, Simon Clarke, added: “Today I have signed the order which officially implements the 2015 Sheffield City Region Deal, bringing new powers and millions of pounds in new funding to South Yorkshire.

“We have an ambitious agenda to deliver devolution across Yorkshire and getting this deal over the line is an important step towards that.

“It will deliver real benefits to the people of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield, putting decision-making in the hands of these communities and ensuring local leaders have the tools they need to drive forward the city region’s recovery from coronavirus.”

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