Cross-party support has been received from East Riding councillors for their leader to move forward with a devolution deal with Hull.
Benefits of a mayoral combined authority across what was North Humberside are to be explored after Anne Handley and Mike Ross, put it high on the agenda following the recent local elections. Cllr Handley succeeded Cllr Jonathan Owen at the helm of Conservative-led East Riding of Yorkshire Council in May, with Cllr Ross’ Liberal Democrats retaining control in Hull.
At a full council meeting of East Riding in Beverley this week, members backed the motion to explore the deal “at pace” with any agreement subject to residents’ consultation and endorsement before implementation.
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Backed by business leaders, the combined authority deal would involve the two councils working together on strategic issues such as economic investment and transport while the delivery of day-to-day services would firmly remain the responsibility of each council.
It is seen as a way of securing more funding from central Government, and would give each authority and the public more say in where money was best spent. It is a move away from a county deal currently on the table, which would involve the switching of power between the two authorities annually, with no elected mayor.
Cllr Handley said: “I am pleased that all East Riding councillors from all parties have recognised just what potential an elected mayor could bring to the East Riding and Hull and have agreed to explore options at pace.
“We are the last two authorities in Yorkshire not to have secured a devolution deal and we are now playing catch up but, in the meantime, East Yorkshire is missing out on the economic benefits a deal could bring.
“I need to make it clear though, we will not be combining with Hull and becoming one authority, we will simply be working together on strategic issues like transport and economic growth.
“East Riding of Yorkshire Council will continue to work as we’ve always worked, and Hull will do the same, as independent organisations delivering our own services for residents and not merging together.”
Cllr Denis Healy, leader of the opposition Liberal Democrats, said all members backing the exploration of a mayoral deal sends a “strong signal of unified intent”. He said: “I don’t think there is any doubt that the need for a decision on the question on a devolution deal for Hull and the East Riding is long overdue and there has been a sense of confusion and uncertainty hanging over this issue for at least three years and in that time, everyone else in Yorkshire has managed to secure a deal while we’ve been left isolated and alone.
“The Liberal Democrats are not enthusiasts for the concept of mayors, but we’re open to collaboration, to open our minds and if it’s possible that a mayoral deal offers the greatest devolution of powers to the region then it is right to be open-minded and explore a way forward.
“But when we have explored a deal and have something tangible on the table, we need to put our residents first and through consultation, listen to what they have to say and get their endorsement, and I know Cllr Handley feels very much the same.
“We need to move this forward together in the right way and the backing of all members sends a strong signal of unified intent.”
