YP Letters: Don't blame us for devolution delay '“ Barnsley and Doncaster Councils

The heads of Barnsley and Doncaster Councils have defended their devolution stance.

WE are writing to provide clarification regarding the current position in relation to the next stage of devolution – how we get local control of more powers and funding to drive our economy and public services.

In the last few days there has been much reporting of the current situation, some of which is inaccurate and has misrepresented our position as elected representatives on this matter – so we want to set matters straight. Let’s start by being clear about the situation we are in. There is a pause in the process that has been caused by a legal judgement on the need to properly consult with citizens about the Sheffield City Region devolution and establishment of a Mayor.

Firstly, we should not take this consultation lightly, or treat it as a ‘box-ticking exercise’, as some reports have suggested in these last days. These decisions will affect current and future generations of local people – so let’s hear the voice of the people and get it right.

Secondly, this pause gives us an opportunity to explore the art of the possible in how devolution of powers and funding can drive the local economy.

The proposal for a Yorkshire level of devolution is not being proposed as an alternative to the Sheffield or Leeds deals. It proposes continuation of City Region level devolution but enables us to look at whether more may be available to us through a Yorkshire approach as well as the City Region level. So it’s not an ‘either – or’ choice, but a way of bringing them together to achieve better connectivity across our great cities, towns  and communities.

In our view it would be a real missed opportunity not to  use this time we have to explore the potential benefits and downsides of this proposal  with some fact-finding, and  that is all we are saying at  this stage.

That is not ‘playing politics’, or a parochial view, it is responsible, considered political leadership (Tom Richmond, The Yorkshire Post, January 19).

So we are not ‘walking away’ from anything – just using available time to explore opportunities that could help residents and businesses. As a final point, we both know from the excellent relationships we have with business communities in Barnsley and Doncaster that we achieve most when we are united – businesses, politicians, public services, residents and  the media pulling together, working things out, getting things done.