YP Comment: Yorkshire must not ask for pity

IT goes without saying that Yorkshire has received a raw deal from successive governments '“ this newspaper has, for a decade, been highlighting the disparity in transport and infrastructure spending between London and the North.
By The Newsroom
Published 19th Jan 2017, 09:58 BST
Updated 19th Jan 2017, 10:01 BST

Yet Yorkshire has to do more to help itself. When submissions are made to Whitehall, they need to be so compelling that Ministers have to accede to them – asking for pity will simply not suffice.

The need for a change in tone, both in style and substance, follows the confluence of three interventions as business leaders call for the county’s devolution differences to be reconciled once and for all.

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First Leeds Council leader Judith Blake. A proud advocate of her city, her 4,723-word oration to Winchester University lost impact because she spent too much time blaming others rather than offering a clearer vision for the future governance of her city-region – and the region at large.

Next the Resolution Foundation’s report highlighting below-average salaries in Sheffield and South Yorkshire. Days after the area’s devolution deal collapsed, it challenges local leaders to get the issue ‘back on track’ and suggests a Low Pay Commission be launched. It forgets the public want more effective governance, not additional tiers of bureaucracy.

Finally South Yorkshire crime commissioner Dr Alan Billings and his call for extra funds. Though his force is dealing with many challenges of a historic nature, the Government does not have a bottomless pit of money, another reason why the onus is on local politicians to start thinking outside of the box.

Tom Richmond: Devolution – Reward Archbishop’s faith and unite behind region

Warning over delay to tackle South Yorkshire’s low pay crisis

Related topics:South YorkshireAlan BillingsLondonNorthGovernmentLeeds Council