The Deputy Prime Minister has announced greater powers for housing, transport, employment and business support for the city region of Sheffield under the Northern Futures Programme.
The Deputy Prime Minister’s Office writes:
The Deputy Prime Minister in Sheffield confirmed a city devolution deal which will shift power from Whitehall to the combined authorities locally, giving the city greater control over transport, skills, housing and business support. This historic deal for Sheffield will allow the city to introduce ‘oyster-style’ travel cards, and local councils and businesses will have control over the majority of the skills budget for the area for the first time.
He is confirming greater powers for Sheffield a month after the Northern Futures Summit, which brought together local people and businesses to share their vision for strengthening the economy in the region. The deal does not impose any specific form of governance over the city, such as a metro mayor. The deal builds on the success of the City Deal and Growth Deal already agreed for the Sheffield City Region, which began the journey that sees the people of Sheffield put in charge of their own economic destiny.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: ‘It’s a historic moment for the great city of Sheffield, and I’m pleased to be bringing more power to the people of Sheffield today, after I’ve pushed for greater devolution to the North through my Northern Futures programme for so long. Today’s deal will give council leaders clout to push forward local plans that strengthen the economy and the running of the city themselves, without waiting for Whitehall. Putting the people of Sheffield in control of our city’s destiny will ensure local plans are in line with what local people want. From transforming travel across the city, to improving access to skills training, the deal will mean changes in the city are shaped by those who live there. Gone are the days of central government controlling all local decisions, and I’m proud to be at the forefront of these forward-thinking changes that see cities like Sheffield able to grow as they see fit.’
