Business leaders and MPs say South Yorkshire has 'waited a long time' for devolution deal

MPs and business leaders from across Rotherham and Barnsley have welcomed the news that South Yorkshire's landmark devolution deal is agreed.
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The order for the Deal was laid in Parliament after letters of agreement were submitted by Sheffield City Region Mayor Dan Jarvis, and council leaders in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Once the deal is approved in parliament, millions of pounds in funding will be granted for the region's economic growth, and councils will be granted more funding and more power from Westminster to make crucial decisions for their respective areas.

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The deal also means devolved transport powers and funding for the region; full devolution of the adult education budget of around £35m a year for colleges and training providers; increased planning capacity and powers to deliver housing and economic growth; and greater control over how and where funds are directed.

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Andrew Denniff, Chief Executive of Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, said: “To say we are pleased is an understatement. Businesses across South Yorkshire can now look forward to real investment and collaboration across the region with all our communities hopefully benefiting from this opportunity.

"Our Chamber looks forward to working closely with the Mayor and his team to ensure those promises are delivered”.

Wentworth and Dearne MP John Healey also welcomed the news, adding the region has waited a long time for the deal.

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Mr Healey said: “South Yorkshire has waited a long time for this, and we will make the most of it.

“Dragging decision-making up here from Westminster has to be a good thing. Holding more power and funds in our own hands to build the local economy will be crucial as we emerge from the Covid pandemic.

“Our local council leaders and mayor are much better placed than Government Ministers to make the right decisions for our area.”

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