AUTUMN STATEMENT "A MISSED OPPORTUNITY FOR FURTHER DEVOLUTION"

Published 22 November 2023 at 2:35pm

"This Government have made positive moves towards devolution, and today we have seen some further moves towards decentralising and bringing power back to local communities, including some progress on fiscal devolution. In South Yorkshire, I am pleased to see the extension of our investment zones to 10 years, with the increased £80 million funding.

"But today was an opportunity to make devolution go further and faster. They have not grasped that opportunity. 

"Government could have given us the tools to develop locally led plans on health, transport, skills, and environment, support for high growth sectors, and money to make a difference.

"Instead, today we have seen an approach that risks creating further inequalities between regions. They have not given each region an opportunity to the access the same devolution settlement, including the same local powers and control.

"My job is growth. I'm determined to create a bigger, better economy in South Yorkshire. The Autumn Statement could have been an opportunity to develop a plan for growth, driven by local leaders outside of London. Instead, areas like South Yorkshire continue to be held back by Westminster and Whitehall.

"South Yorkshire is not asking for a special handout; we’re asking for a level playing field with other Mayoral Combined Authorities, to ensure we level up at the same pace, with equally positive results. If we are truly going to grow the economy of this country, every part of this country must be given the chance to play a part."