Nexus director welcomes new Devolution White Paper
Having hosted the signing of the Devolution Deal in 2020, we were proud to once again serve as the venue for the launch of the Government’s English Devolution White Paper this week.
Since the announcement of the Devolution Deal almost five years ago, we have seen a significant transformation in both governance and economic growth across the region.
That’s why this further shift of power from Westminster to the English regions is welcomed, with the measures outlined by the Government giving us an opportunity to build on this foundation and deliver a thriving region that serves both businesses and residents alike.
Yorkshire has begun to strengthen its position through combined authorities over the past few years, with a clear emphasis on unlocking regional growth – something we are deeply passionate about at Nexus.
The 2020 deal empowered the five councils and the Mayoral Combined Authority to take greater control over matters affecting local communities. These included transport, adult education, skills and jobs, infrastructure, housing and regeneration, and economic recovery – all critical cornerstones for driving development, growth, and prosperity in this part of the UK.
This agreement paved the way for progress, including the development of a West Yorkshire Mass Transit System, and facilitated investment through the Transforming Cities Fund, which has delivered key transport projects for the region.
The devolution of adult education powers and budgets has also enabled the region to better shape skills provision to meet the specific needs of the local economy. This alignment has created opportunities to prepare the workforce for a changing economic landscape more effectively.
Furthermore, funding has supported zero-carbon initiatives and the development of housing across West Yorkshire. In partnership with the Environment Agency, we have addressed flood risk management challenges, helping to protect businesses, residents, and jobs across the region.
In 2021, West Yorkshire was also named the UK’s third investment zone, a designation set to create over 2,500 new jobs within five years and unlock more than £220 million in investment. The Leeds Innovation Arc has also accelerated health innovation, drawing new inward investment, fostering business growth, encouraging enterprise, and advancing training and skills within the region.
Businesses and investors are naturally attracted to regions with clear leadership and streamlined decision-making structures. These developments have unquestionably contributed to the growing momentum in the region, driving progress in crucial sectors such as professional services, healthcare, and digital industries. This has also resulted in significant inward investment, bringing prominent employers into the region, including major institutions like the UK Infrastructure Bank and the Financial Conduct Authority.
Our start-up ecosystem is also thriving, and collaboration remains one of our greatest strengths in Leeds and West Yorkshire. We excel when everyone – local government, businesses, academia, and other stakeholders – works together for the greater good. These new proposals for further devolution will enable us to enhance this collaboration even further.
By giving local leaders, businesses, academic institutions, and other stakeholders the authority and financial resources to implement change, we can confidently work toward building a more prosperous and resilient region.
Improving transport systems, addressing health outcomes, building suitable housing, and developing key skills will continue to be fundamental in driving growth, innovation, and employment in Leeds and West Yorkshire. These improvements not only make the region more attractive to businesses and investors but also provide an opportunity for the private and public sectors to collaborate on delivering meaningful, locally tailored solutions that benefit the community.
At Nexus, we are dedicated to connecting local government, public services, academia, and industry to foster innovation and progress across essential areas, including smart city development and healthtech.
This is why we welcome this further devolution of power and look forward to playing a pivotal role in seizing this opportunity for Leeds and West Yorkshire.
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