Hull City Council and East Riding Council are working towards a strong regional devolution deal between the two authorities, they have confirmed in a statement.
A joint-statement from Councillor Stephen Brady, Leader of Hull City Council, and Councillor Richard Burton, Leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said the deal between the two local authorities would focus on maximising their strong economic and social links.
The statement said: “Following a meeting with Simon Clarke MP, the Minister of State leading on regional devolution, Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire Councils can confirm that we will be working very closely together to progress a strong and ambitious regional devolution deal between our two councils.
“Whilst we were keen to progress a cross-Humber deal, as was the Government, and have been making this case both regionally and nationally, local authorities cannot be compelled to join a particular geography and, because North and North East Lincolnshire Councils wish to focus on Greater Lincolnshire devolution, a Humber agreement is not possible.
“Hull and the East Riding have extremely strong economic and social links and opportunities and we are now focussed on ensuring that these are maximised through our deal, for the benefit of all our residents and businesses.”
The devolution deal is set to unlock a multi-million-pound strategic investment in the region, the statement said.
It said the councils will work to maintain strong relationships with other authorities in Yorkshire and the Humber.
“We have already undertaken a lot of work developing the framework for a strong devolution deal between our two authorities and we have been assured by the Minister that the Hull and East Riding deal will be given absolute priority in terms of delivery,” said the statement.
“We will continue collaborating closely with our neighbouring authorities, across the Humber and in Yorkshire, to ensure we retain strong working on our many areas of shared interest and opportunity.
“This is an exciting time for Hull and the East Riding and the devolution deal we will now be working towards should unlock a multi-million-pound, strategic investment in our region. Devolution should bring a huge economic boost to the area in terms of infrastructure, transport, adult education and skills funding as well as many other benefits for our communities.
“The Government has shown trust and belief in our proven ability to deliver and we look forward to welcoming the minister to our area very shortly in order to make very swift progress.”
