Yorkshire expected to lose out over failure to agree devolution deals

West Yorkshire Combined Authority chairman Peter Box agreed that it is likely the Government will give more favourable treatment to areas that have agreed deals to take more control over their own affairs and create metro-mayors.

He argued the combined authority had made a strong case for the proposed Leeds City Region deal and called on ministers to explain how the Greater Yorkshire approach they appear to favour would have a bigger impact on the economy.

Councils in South Yorkshire have agreed a Sheffield City Region deal that was due to see the election of a new metro mayor next week but the vote was postponed over legal difficulties and disputes between the authorities involved.

The Leeds City Region proposal, covering West Yorkshire and some of its neighbours, has faced opposition from some Conservative MPs and North Yorkshire County Council while the idea of a Yorkshire-wide deal, floated earlier this year, has received a cool reception from ministers.

Questioned by members of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s overview and scrutiny committee about the potential impact of not agreeing a deal for the area, Coun Box said: “If we don’t get a devolution deal, future funding is going to be problematic, there’s no doubt about that.

“That is the way that government is moving so we do need a deal. I don’t think there’s any dispute from anybody in the city region of any political persuasion that we need a deal. None at all.

“I think all of us now, irrespective of party, have reluctantly accepted that a deal would have a mayor so I think the only issue is what is the geography and what is the economic case for that geography?

“So there will be an impact down the line which is why we are trying to work as quickly as possible.”

Coun Box said the Government appeared determined to ensure the Sheffield City Region deal should go ahead.

Pressed on why the authority had not looked at the economic grounds for the Greater Yorkshire proposal known to be favoured by some ministers, Conservative MPs and senior councillors – which would cover the whole region except South Yorkshire – Coun Box said it was down to the idea’s supporters to make the case.

He said: “I would say if the minister believes that something other than the Leeds City Region is the best economic model that is entirely a matter for him to put forward.

“We have put forward a strong case for the Leeds City Region economic model.”

He continued: “It’s up to the Government to say they’ve got a better economic model, it’s not up to us.”

Committee chairman Coun Robert Light said: “I think it’s fair to say that the members’ view is that we have been in limbo for too long and that we need resolution. A deal is really important.

“The Government will have a mandate to get on with things when we get to early June and we would actually like to see Government and leaders get together and get hopefully deals for Yorkshire in some form but certainly a deal that will help West Yorkshire.

“I think the big fear for us all is that we will soon find ourselves, irrespective of us being in a good position now, if we were to fast forward a year or two years time, we would find ourselves in the slow lane.”