Tens of millions of pounds in additional powers and resources set for South Yorkshire, after the Sheffield City Region Mayoral Combined Authority today (Jan 27) agreed to proceed with the implementation of the devolution deal.

The deal was agreed by Mayor Dan Jarvis and council leaders in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield at a meeting of the Mayoral Combined Authority earlier today. Before the meeting, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Robert Jenrick, voiced his support for the deal when he met Mayor Dan Jarvis at the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.

During his visit, Mr Jenrick met staff and toured Factory 2050. The devolution deal will bring £30m a year in additional funding for economic growth, as well as power over the adult education budget totalling around £35m each year.

Following this mornings agreement, a public consultation on the proposals will be launched next week, and run for six weeks.

Members of the public will have the opportunity to express their views on bringing increased powers and resources to the region, and putting more responsibility into the hands of local leaders.

Following this consultation, an Order will be laid in Parliament, which will need to signed by the four council leaders and Mayor Jarvis before the devolution deal is formalised.

In a joint statement, Mayor Jarvis and Mr Jenrick said: “We are delighted to announce that today the Sheffield City Region Mayoral Combined Authority has agreed to proceed with the implementation of the Devolution Deal for South Yorkshire. The agreement to launch the required consultation represents a significant step forward.

“Subject to its completion and the parliamentary process, the people of South Yorkshire will be able to benefit from the Deal this year, including from the £30 million annual investment fund.

"We also look forward to the progression of discussions over the coming months on the role and functions of a Committee of Leaders from across Yorkshire, based on the existing Yorkshire Leaders Board.

"Through continued collaboration we will support more positive economic outcomes for people right across the historic county."

Image Credit - Sheffield City Region