A proposed devolution deal for Hull and East Yorkshire was announced as part of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, on 22 November 2023.
It has been a long-standing ambition of both councils to improve the economy of the area and devolution provides the opportunity to build on a long and successful history of partnership working between both local authorities and their partners in the public, private and community and voluntary sectors.
The University of Hull is committed to supporting devolution for Hull and East Yorkshire and the significant opportunities it affords for growth and economic prosperity for the region.
Universities have always played a crucial role in sparking growth and developing opportunities through their research, innovation and knowledge exchange. As the only higher education institution in Hull and East Yorkshire, we are proud of our role in the educational, social, economic and cultural development of our unique city and region. Read the University’s statement on devolution here
Hull and East Yorkshire is the last part of Yorkshire to negotiate a devolution deal and council leaders have been working hard to get a deal that works for the area.
The proposed devolution deal would see powers and funding of £400million devolved to a new combined authority, overseen by a directly elected mayor who would represent the area in a new relationship with the Government. Here at the Aura Innovation Centre we understand how vital it is for businesses to access funding opportunities having supported over 780 Humber businesses with funding and created over 670 research and innovation projects on the back of the funding received. The devolution deal will provide further opportunities for us to support innovation and business growth within the region and help businesses to enhance their competitiveness and increased productivity.
A combined authority isn’t a merger of the two councils, but the creation of a new organisation to enable closer working on key priorities for Hull and the East Riding, such as supporting economic growth and delivering improvements across the whole area.
The councils’ proposal looks to:
- Provide new and additional money and resources to invest in the economy, communities and places, with the promise of more in future spending cycles.
- Support the creation of accessible jobs, addressing the long-term challenges for people living in the area, particularly in more deprived communities, such as part of Hull, Goole, Bridlington and Withernsea.
- Increased local decision-making on investments affecting the area.
- Create new and enhanced relationships with Government, helping to directly influence decisions affecting the area.
- Provide the certainty for more investment by the private sector in the area.
The consultation is now live until Tuesday 27 February 2024 to gather views from the public and other interested groups on the proposed deal and how it will be implemented. Officers from Hull City Council will be available on the ground floor of the Brynmor Jones Library to answer your questions about the proposed devolution deal and consultation on 21st February, 2-4pm.
Devolution could bring about a number of changes in Hull and East Yorkshire, so it is important for you to have your say.
Find out more about devolution and how to take part in the consultation at: www.heydevolution.com