Yorkshire devolution delays

In 2015 the former chancellor George Osborne outlined plans to devolve powers, including housing, skills and transport, to English cities with directly elected mayors.Since then people in places such as Greater Manchester, the West Midlands and Liverpool have had their say at the ballot box and, in turn, unlocked millions of pounds of government money.Yorkshire, however, has singularly failed to take the next step on the road to devolution.Despite putting forward several proposals just one has been approved by the government – the Sheffield City Region deal. But, with that deal seemingly dead in the water, what does the future hold for devolution in Yorkshire?

Yorkshire Devolution Timeline:

May 2015: George Osborne outlines plans to devolve powers to English cities

Sept 2015: Five Yorkshire based devolution bids submitted to government

Oct 2015: Mr Osborne signs agreement with leaders of the Sheffield City Region to devolve powers and install directly elected mayor

May 2017: Directly elected mayors appointed for Greater Manchester, the West of England, Tees Valley, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Liverpool City Region and the West Midlands

Aug 2017: “Coalition of the willing” announces ‘One Yorkshire’ deal has backing of 17 of 20 councils in Yorkshire

Sept 2017: Barnsley and Doncaster council leaders vote against Sheffield City Region deal but Communities Secretary Sajid Javid rules out pan-Yorkshire deal involving South Yorkshire councils

Oct 2017: Archbishop of York asked to step in to break devolution stalemate as Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry reiterates government stance