Barnsley Council first local authority to approve Sheffield City Region devolution deal

Barnsley Council has formally ratified the proposal for the Sheffield City Region Devolution Agreement following full support from Thursday’s (Feb 25th) Full Council meeting.

Barnsley has now become the Sheffield City Region’s first local authority to ratify the proposal, following consideration of the feedback from the City Region wide consultation.

In October 2015, politicians and business leaders secured the in-principle deal with the Chancellor George Osborneto transfer national powers and control over funding from national Government departments to the Sheffield City Region – as well as securing a £900m additional cash boost over the next thirty years to deliver major regeneration, infrastructure and business growth schemes.

The deal needs to be formally approved by each of the local Councils within the Sheffield City Region, which is comprised of the nine local authority areas of Barnsley, Bassetlaw, Bolsover, Chesterfield, Derbyshire Dales, Doncaster, North East Derbyshire, Rotherham and Sheffield.

Cllr Sir Steve Houghton CBE, Leader of Barnsley Council, said: “The feedback from the consultation shows that people want stronger local control on decision making for the region. This is something that I believe is crucial in creating a brighter future and a better Barnsley.

With this in mind, we are pleased that Full Council has ratified the Sheffield City Region Devolution Agreement for Barnsley.

“The deal will bring welcome investment into our borough; expanding our business parks and giving them the infrastructure they need to thrive; boosting our post 16 education and training offer helping to widen the opportunities for traineeships and apprenticeships, building skills from within the borough; supporting our residents to become homeowners by building more affordable homes; supporting our businesses to become more productive, widening their customer base making them more profitable and resilient for the future.”

Sir Nigel Knowles, Chair of Sheffield City Region LEP, added: “I welcome Barnsley Council supporting the Sheffield City Region Devolution deal. This deal will enable local leaders from the public and private sector to deliver our Growth Plan which will mean a stronger economy and more and better jobs for people in Sheffield City Region.”

Full Council members also agreed to delegate authority to Barnsley Council’s Chief Executive, Diana Terris, to consent to orders relating to the Mayoral Combined Authority, in consultation with the leader and wider cabinet members.