Chesterfield may join South Yorkshire under elected mayor

The district has tabled plans to become a full member of the Sheffield City Region, meaning the town’s voters will have a say in next year’s mayoral election for the area.

Becoming a full city region member essentially means Chesterfield would be choosing to tie its economic future to South Yorkshire and join with Doncaster, Barnsley, Sheffield, Rotherham and the mayor to take key decisions in areas such as transport, planning and skills.

Chesterfield is already involved in the Sheffield City Region but by becoming a full member it will become a partner in the devolution deal struck for the area last year which also includes the creation of a new elected mayor in May 2017.

Chesterfield Council leader John Burrows said: “It is important to be clear on what this debate is and isn’t about.

“It is not a debate about whether Chesterfield remains in the geographical boundaries of Derbyshire. We are proud to be in Derbyshire and will stay in Derbyshire irrespective of the outcome of these discussions.

“It is also not a debate about losing any of our council’s current powers and responsibilities or about the role of Chesterfield’s civic mayor.

“What this debate is about is what is best for our economy, for the jobs and training prospects of our residents, for the future sustainability and growth of our businesses, as well as access to millions of pounds worth of investment.

At a special meeting next week, councillors will be asked if they would rather be part of a Sheffield City Region or North Midlands partnership.

But council officers are recommending they become a full partner of the Sheffield City Region.

Sir Steve Houghton, chairman of the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority and leader of Barnsley Council, said: “Chesterfield is a key part of the Sheffield City Region economic area because people in our City Region travel to and from Chesterfield every day to work, do business and enjoy life.

“Our partners in Chesterfield have contributed hugely to our plans for economic growth and in helping us to achieve deal-after-deal with Government. Their decision on whether to join should be based on what is best for the economy and jobs for people in Chesterfield. Their joining our city region as a full member would further cement our partnership and enable local leaders to focus on what really matters, which is making things better for everyone in Sheffield City Region.”