Majority of Doncaster businesses back Yorkshire devolution deal

According to an opinion poll by Doncaster Chamber, the majority of Doncaster businesses believe that a Yorkshire Devolution Deal would be the best solution for the economy.

Business leaders think that a regional-wide deal rather than a South Yorkshire deal would best deliver on the vital issues that matter most to the private sector particularly transport and connectivity, education and skills, investment and international trade.

Doncaster Chamber compiled the views of the business community via an online survey, focus groups and one-to-ones to ensure the business community was fully involved in the ongoing Yorkshire v’s South Yorkshire debate.

According to the survey, 70% of the Doncaster businesses responses state that a Yorkshire devolution deal should be the end goal for the region. Of those, 52% believe that this should be the region’s sole focus but 18% think that a South Yorkshire deal should be done as an initial step.

19% of respondents, however, want a South Yorkshire deal only and 11% are not in favour of devolution.

The results also show that some Doncaster businesses don’t want to delay the South Yorkshire deal any longer, whereas others said that sub regional deals lack ambition and that there is a greater level of opportunity for Doncaster by aligning behind the recognised ‘Brand Yorkshire’.

Businesses were clear to state that the priority is for a deal that delivers on transport and connectivity, education and skills, and investment and international trade to benefit the borough’s economy.

Dan Fell, CEO of Doncaster Chamber commented: “There has been a lot of noise around the proposed deals but not enough consultation has taken place with the region’s wealth creators.

“Devolution is fundamentally about the economy and Doncaster Chamber has stood firm in not joining a particular camp but rather seeking the important views of businesses who are the main customers of the deal.

“If devolution is to work for our region in the long term, it needs to be strongly influenced by businesses not just now, but for the next thirty years.

“The Chamber is membership led organisation and these results show that there is clear support for a Yorkshire deal from Doncaster firms. Importantly, that support is not – however – unequivocal and there are some outstanding concerns that must still be allayed by the proponents of a Yorkshire deal.

“Crucially, those promoting a Yorkshire deal must demonstrate how they will win the support of Westminster and Whitehall, how they will be able to do a deal quickly so that Yorkshire does not fall behind other places and, most importantly, how they will ensure that the voices of smaller economies will be heard on a bigger regional platform.”