Centre for Cities response to Sheffield city-region devolution deal

In response to the new devolution deal for the Sheffield city-region announced today, Alexandra Jones, Chief Executive of the think tank Centre for Cities said:

“This deal is a great step forward for the Sheffield city-region, and will give local leaders more of the powers they need to improve transport infrastructure, boost skills and support more businesses and jobs, which will make a big difference to the lives of people all across the city region. By introducing a Mayor, local leaders have also ensured that Sheffield, Doncaster, Barnsley, Rotherham and neighbouring areas are well placed to receive more powers and funding from the Government in the future.

“Today’s announcement will increase the pressure on other big cities which are yet to agree a deal, and which risk falling further behind if they fail to do so before the Government’s Comprehensive Spending review next month.

“Crucially, this deal for the Sheffield city-region, and previous agreements with Greater Manchester, will only go ahead if the Government’s Cities and Local Government Bill is successfully passed through Parliament in the next few months. It’s vital that MPs from all parties support the Bill, otherwise UK cities will miss out on the benefits and opportunities that devolution would offer.”

ENDS

For further information, or to set up an interview, please contact Brian Semple, Press Manager for Centre for Cities, on 020 7803 4316 or 07595 439 638.