An opportunity for change
Mayor, South Yorkshire
Devolution should be used as an opportunity to change how we do politics. The risks are all too clear if we fail to bring our communities together. If we do politics to people, rather than with people.
In fact, greater devolution is the platform that will allow us to grow South Yorkshire’s economy, attract investment, create more good jobs in the industries of the future and give people the opportunity to stay near and go far.
Mayors have the opportunity to be bold and brave, and our communities rightly expect nothing less of those they elect to lead. If devolution means anything, it has to mean bringing power closer to people, and showing that we can address those very real challenges that are impacting on people’s lives here, now.
If we get devolution right, the potential opportunity is huge. It’s how we bring services together, respond to the needs of our communities and shape our own future. t’s how we give agency back to those people who all too often feel left out and left behind.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Budget represented a significant change in the way the Government will work with South Yorkshire and local leaders.
The integrated, departmental-style funding settlement for South Yorkshire in 2026-27 will deepen devolution and allow us to align the priorities of South Yorkshire’s communities with the way we spend our money.
Because, if we’re going to deliver on the mission of growing all of the UK’s economy, then we have to make the most of talent and ambition in every corner of the UK. Not just levelling-up, but powering up the economy of South Yorkshire and the whole of the North.
It is only by working together, at national and regional level, that we can turn things around, and we finally have that chance. For example, we are already leading the way in addressing these barriers through the pioneering Pathways to Work Commission and we look forward to working with Government on the Get Britain Working white paper.
South Yorkshire, with our unique assets, expertise, and emerging industrial strategy, can play a vital role in our national renewal. We are leading the way across vital parts of the digital, health, and advanced manufacturing and the materials economy. Across Barnsley, Rotherham, Doncaster and Sheffield we have been fixing the foundations for years. Now, with a Government that is working with us to deliver on our shared mission, we can restore the pride, purpose and prosperity of South Yorkshire.