Sheffield mayor calls on government to back plans that could support thousands of jobs

Leaders across South Yorkshire have called on the government to back plans which will support thousands of jobs in the region following the COVID pandemic.

The Sheffield City Region Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) formally approved the Renewal Action Plan at its meeting yesterday (27 July).

The aim of the plan is to support people, businesses and places across South Yorkshire, with the interventions designed to make the region’s economy stronger, greener and fairer.

The plan has been developed by Mayor Dan Jarvis, the leaders of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield councils and the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), working in partnership with the business community, trade unions, universities and voluntary sector.

Now, the mayor and the leaders of the councils have jointly called for the government to back the proposals in the Comprehensive Spending Review in the autumn.

The proposals will support over 55,000 training and job opportunities, back 25,000 businesses, create 3,000 apprenticeships, and revitalise South Yorkshire’s towns centres.

Mayor Dan Jarvis said: “I’m pleased that leaders have formally approved our Renewal Action Plan.

“We have worked closely together to develop the proposals, which will support workers, businesses and places right across our region.

“We send a clear message to government that South Yorkshire stands ready to deliver not just recovery, but renewal in our economy and society.

“Backing the plan will benefit our region, the north and the whole of the country.

“Now the government must devolve the powers and invest the resources South Yorkshire needs – giving us the tools and resources to get on with the job and build back better.”

Councillor Sir Steve Houghton CBE, leader of Barnsley Council, said: “It’s good news that the Sheffield City Region Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) has approved the region’s Renewal Action Plan.

“I’m pleased to support the proposals that will help our businesses, create more jobs and apprenticeships, and give people access to training opportunities; all things that are welcome in Barnsley and the wider region.

“We need the government to take notice of the Renewal Action Plan and support us in driving South Yorkshire forward.”

Mayor of Doncaster Council, Ros Jones, said: “Boris Johnson has promised to level-up the North, Doncaster and South Yorkshire is ready and waiting for investment, to support our residents, communities and businesses to recover from the pandemic both socially and economically.

“The next six months will be a challenge, as we continue with the ‘new normal’, whilst doing what we can to prevent a second peak, all whilst we shape our path out of the European Union.

“We have an opportunity to rebuild our economy to be cleaner, greener, stronger and more resilient. I ask of government to give us the powers and the resources and we will do the job.”

Councillor Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council, said: “Covid-19 continues to have a devastating impact on people and businesses in South Yorkshire, but the way we emerge from the crisis provides a chance to build back better.

“Our existing, exciting plans for major town centre and housing regeneration will undoubtedly help with that recovery.

“And that could be bolstered still further by the implantation of the Sheffield City Region Renewal Action Plan and give the government the opportunity to show that they are serious about their levelling-up promise and not continuing to let places like Rotherham get left behind.”