One Yorkshire Leaders respond to devolution letter

STATEMENT ISSUED BY WEST YORKSHIRE COMBINED AUTHORITY ON BEHALF OF ONE YORKSHIRE

The Secretary of State for Housing Communities and Local Government today issued a letter responding to the One Yorkshire devolution proposals.

Responding, One Yorkshire Leaders said:

"We are disappointed by the Secretary of State's response which exhibits a misunderstanding of the strength of our One Yorkshire proposals which build on a shared identity and an established global brand. “His letter also fails to recognise the considerable work of the great partnership we have developed, cross-party, to develop ambitious plans which we calculate would add £30bn to the economy and bring the benefits of devolution to a region of five million people.

“We were told by Government to come up with devolution proposals which enjoy widespread support. In the One Yorkshire devolution proposals we have a deliverable plan backed by 18 authorities, the Sheffield City Region Mayor, business and trade unions.“In response, the Secretary of State is now advocating solutions that his own Government has previously rejected. We are requesting an urgent meeting, face to face, to discuss the way forward.”

Details of the One Yorkshire devolution proposals can be found here or https://www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/economy/devolution/

ENDS