The leaders of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield councils have failed to reach an agreement to move forward devolution for South Yorkshire.
At an extraordinary meeting of the Sheffield City Region (SCR) Combined Authority on Monday (18 September), the leaders discussed plans to initiate public consultation on mayoral powers relating to devolution for South Yorkshire.
Barnsley and Doncaster councils support a ‘One Yorkshire’ devolution deal combining 15 other councils in the region, not that of a South Yorkshire devolution package which Sheffield and Rotherham are supporting.
Despite this, May 2018 will see an election for a Sheffield City Region Combined Authority mayor, who will have fewer powers.
The mayor will chair the Combined Authority, have equivalent voting rights to existing local authorities at its meetings, and also have “some powers” relating to bus franchising.
