Analysis: Hull commission report is about more than lines on maps

THE Hull Commission report published this morning is the latest contribution to the ongoing debate about how Yorkshire shapes itself for the future.

On the face of it, the commission’s recommendations that Hull and East Riding councils should merge and a Humber combined authority should be created sound only of interest to local government anoraks.

Commission calls for council merger

But, in common with the ongoing wrangles Yorkshire over devolved powers and elected mayors, the commission’s report is about more than lines on maps.

Because the decisions that are taken in the coming weeks over which bits of Yorkshire decide to work together and how, will in turn dictate how future decisions are taken on policies to create jobs, build homes, improve skills and invest in transport as well as the taxes raised to pay for them.

Put the wrong structures in place and Yorkshire could be paralysed by political wrangling or, conversely, have decisions taken by a small group of powerful individuals with little accountability to anyone else.

A recent report suggested that despite the new focus on strengthening the economy of the North, the capital will continue to grow faster for the next decade.

With Yorkshire already facing an uphill economic struggle, it is vital the right decisions are taken over its future.

And that starts with drawing the right lines on the map.