Yorkshire and Derbyshire councils latest to pursue combined authority plan

The Department for Communities and Local Government has launched a consultation on plans for nine councils to establish a new combined authority to drive economic growth.

The new organisation - comprising Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham, Sheffield, Bassetlaw, Bolsover, Chesterfield, Derbyshire Dales and North East Derbyshire - will replace the South Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority. It will have responsibility for transport, regeneration and economic development.

The plans mirror similar arrangements proposed for Merseyside, the North East and West Yorkshire. Greater Manchester has had a combined authority since 2011.

The DCLG said the proposals would allow for streamlined decision making.

Local Government Minister Brandon Lewis said: "By encouraging joint working by local authorities across South Yorkshire and more widely, and having all local authority leaders in a room together at one time, decisions can be made quickly. This boosts economic growth and drives forward business success.

"Looking at strategic decision making in this way recognises that an area’s economy, its roads and its rail don’t stop at a local authority boundary."

A copy of the consultation can be viewed here. The consultation closes on 7 October.