DEVOLUTION: The background to doing a deal with the Government

In October 2015, local politicians and business leaders secured a deal in principle with the Chancellor to transfer national powers and control over funding from Government to the Sheffield City Region.

They also got a massive £1.3billion cash boost over the next 30 years to deliver major regeneration, infrastructure and business growth schemes. The deal covers a range of priorities, including transport, skills, creating new jobs, inward investment, and support to help local businesses. It was formally approved by the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority at the end of March this year.

The deal marks a significant step on the journey that the region has taken over the years to get greater control over its own economic affairs. It enables the region to build on some of its world class assets, including the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District, the new Doncaster-based National College for High Speed Rail, major town centre improvement plans, and the Enterprise Zones.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Currently, most spending decisions affecting the Sheffield City Region (and other local areas) are made by central Government. Examples include major transport schemes, housing, and skills funding. Taxes raised locally flow back to central Government for it to redistribute as it sees fit.

The Government received 38 devolution proposals from across the country. Sheffield City Region was the first to announce a possible deal.

The full devolution deal document can be read at

http://sheffieldcityregion.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/SCR-Devolution-Agreement-2015.pdf