The devolution proposals for Hull and East Yorkshire involves the creation of a Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) covering both authorities.
Establishing an MCA is a formal, legal step, allowing closer working on key strategic priorities to improve the local economy.
Creating an MCA could unlock significant long-term investment and secure key powers at a local level to support economic growth.
This will provide greater local oversight to decide how best to meet local needs and create new opportunities for people and business, to ensure that the benefits of devolution are fully realised across the region.
The MCA would be led by an elected mayor to provide overall vision and leadership, seek the best value for taxpayer’s money, be directly accountable to the area’s electorate and to receive devolved powers on transport, housing and skills.
It will have its own scrutiny and audit arrangements which will ensure that the MCA is fully transparent and properly held to account for its decisions.
Funding for the first three years will come from government supporting the implementation of the deal.
Residents of Hull and the East Riding will have a direct say in who becomes mayor, with elections to take place every four years.
The first mayoral election is expected to be in May 2025.
The MCA’s mayor is different to local mayors – ie of towns or cities – which is a civic role.
The creation of a Hull and East Yorkshire’s MCA would not result in the merger or take-over of councils but support delivery of improvements across the whole area.
The existing Hull and East Riding Unitary Authorities will remain separate entities and representatives from each will form the MCA, along with the mayor.
The Hull and East Riding Unitary Authorities will continue to work collaboratively with other local authorities to deliver their objectives, particularly across the Humber and along the east coast.
Each council will remain accountable to its residents and will provide high profile leadership.
Both councils will remain accountable for many day-to-day services in their respective authorities, including bin collections.
You can find out more about what a mayoral role would look like and have your say on the devolution proposals here.
