Devolution will help South Yorkshire 'break free' from powers in London, mayor claims
It comes as the Prime Minister announced that some income tax will be put into his office
Andy Burnham has announced new plans to increase funding and power for regional government - which South Yorkshire’s mayor says will help them “invest in the future” of the area.
The new Prime Minister has today revealed plans that will see a portion of income tax and business rates sent to metro mayors.
Further details and a timetable of events are expected to be announced in a White Paper released alongside the autumn Budget, which will see the changes begin to come into action by spring next year.
The Government hopes it will allow regions across the nations to benefit from their own successes, snowballing into further growth.
And the announcement has been celebrated by South Yorkshire’s Mayor, who says it means the county will no longer have to go “cap in hand” to Westminster for funding.
Mayor Oliver Coppard said: "Today's announcement is a huge step in the right direction for two reasons.
"Firstly, we’re the most centralised country in the developed world, and have been for far too long. By committing to fiscal devolution, the Prime Minister is delivering on his promise to rebalance our country, allowing places like South Yorkshire to break free from control by London and the Treasury.
"Secondly, and even more importantly, we’ll now be able to take a long term view of investment and spending decisions. That simply hasn’t been possible up to this point. By giving us a long-term, steady funding source, we’ll have the freedom and flexibility to invest in the future, to respond to the challenges and opportunities we know best.
"Places like mine have had to go cap in hand to Westminster and Whitehall for far too long, but the Government is now making clear that it will be mayors who will have the powers and resources to make the big decisions that impact our places, our communities and our economy."