Proposals to bring significant investment to Hull and East Yorkshire have been agreed at the opening meeting of the newly formed Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority (HEYCA).
The historic first gathering took place at the ergo business centre in the shadow of the Humber Bridge on Wednesday 5 March.
Among items discussed included the Combined Authority receiving a proportion of the billions of pounds announced to tackle transport infrastructure, including funding for Bus Service Improvement Plans.
£15 million will be made available to support transport, flood and coastal erosion programmes across the area, along with a coastal regeneration programme in the East Riding of Yorkshire, and a brownfield employment programme in Hull, subject to agreement of the relevant business cases.
Further money can also be accessed to support the area’s economic growth priorities for Offshore Wind, and also to address the effects of climate change at the coast.
There is also £1 million earmarked towards the Howden link road scheme to support housing development in the area.
The Combined Authority is comprised of two councillors from both unitary authorities in the Hull and East Yorkshire area, along with no more than four other non-voting members.
Hull City Council is represented by its Leader, Councillor Mike Ross, and Deputy Leader, Councillor Jackie Dad.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council is represented by its Leader, Councillor Anne Handley, and Deputy Leader, Councillor David Tucker.
The non-voting members are made up of representatives from the Hull and East Yorkshire Business and Skills Boards.
The Combined Authority’s Executive Board also confirmed the appointment of the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Jonathan Evison as a non-constituent member of the Combined Authority.
The Combined Authority will be led by an elected mayor, to be determined via a Combined Authority Mayoral election to take place on Thursday 1 May.
Councillor Jackie Dad said: “I’m delighted that we have got to this stage in our devolution journey and that we have had a successful first meeting.
“There’s been a lot of hard work to get us this far, but huge investment can now come into our region, allowing us to further tap into the talent and drive that people have here.”
Councillor David Tucker said: “It’s fantastic to reach this historic milestone in the devolution process.
“The Combined Authority will play a crucial role in devolving powers from Westminster and delivering for our residents of Hull and East Riding, and I look forward to working with the Authority to unlock investment and opportunities for our region.”
The Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority was created after Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council agreed a devolution deal with the Government.
The deal has unlocked a £400 million investment fund, alongside powers that will move from Westminster to local decision-makers.
The new Combined Authority does not replace either council, with both retaining their independence and continuing their work as normal.
