The
Chancellor today signed a deal with civic leaders from South Yorkshire that
will see it vote for a new, directly-elected Mayor, in what is the most
fundamental shake-up of local government for a generation.
Sheffield
is forging ahead in the Northern Powerhouse, which this historic deal proves is
taking shape. This deal has the power to change the
shape of local government in the region in a way that would have been
unthinkable even just a few years ago. For local people, it will mean the
decisions that affect them being taken locally.
Manchester is not a one-off – far from
it. In becoming the second great northern city to sign up to managing its own
affairs with this ambitious agreement, Sheffield City Region is playing a vital
part in helping to build the Northern Powerhouse.
The North East cannot be left behind. We need to embrace the change and sign up to a Mayor, new powers and proper devolution. More details here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-34414584