Sheffield has been named as one of the first cities to benefit from government’s Levelling Up programme set out in a new White Paper. Sheffield is one of the first of 20 places to benefit from the government funding that aims to transform cities and economies, create new homes, jobs, improve health, education and leisure facilities as well as roads and railways. The plan aims to provide a streamlined strategy for government departments to work across, that ensures a well-coordinated approach with local city leaders, helping to bring about significant change, quickly. It builds upon work already in motion between city representatives and Homes England to form a collective approach to housing growth. Government representatives are expected to visit Sheffield later this month to begin work with the city on initial plans for how to approach the regeneration at scale and at pace.  This is set be the first in a series of meetings to support the city in delivering its ambitions for physical, economic and social regeneration. Leader of the Council, Councillor Terry Fox, said: “This is promising news for Sheffield and the South Yorkshire region, and shows that government have recognised our ambitions and all of the great work that is already being carried out here to make our city an even better place to call home. “The disjointed, haphazard and disproportionate approach to funding and support for cities outside of London needs to be addressed swiftly to tackle the growing inequalities and speed up regional productivity. I welcome the governments objectives outlined in the white paper today, but we really need to see more detail now and find out where the cash is. “Levelling up is a long-term commitment that we in Sheffield are determined to drive forward regardless of today’s announcement but we look forward to working with Government over the coming weeks to see how the agenda can bring about true and lasting change in our city and for our people.” Mazher Iqbal, Executive Member for City Futures: Development, Culture and Regeneration, said: “Today’s announcement is a long awaited step for Sheffield, that if it works, has the potential to help us achieve our bold and ambitious plans for the city. “In Sheffield there is already some brilliant, innovative work taking place and last year we received £37m towards Castlegate and Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park. We will build upon developments that are already underway such as Heart of the City, Central Area Strategy, Castlegate, Sheaf Valley & Park Hill, Attercliffe, Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, Advanced Manufacturing innovation District, Kelham Island & Neepsend, Gleadless Valley and Stocksbridge, to ensure Sheffield is at the forefront of regeneration and a city that serves its people for years to come. “More detailed discussions need to take place over the next weeks to iron out what the 12 priorities of the Levelling Up White Paper mean for Sheffield and our vision. We hope that this is the first step in government departments pooling resources, listening to and support our ambitions, coordinating investment and helping us to deliver real regeneration and the economic prosperity that we deserve in Sheffield.”

The Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, has welcomed the commitment to levelling up in the Government White Paper, but expressed frustration that the plans do not go far enough to truly make a difference to the lives of people in our region. The Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, said: “It’s positive that the Government recognises the urgent need to level up across the nation but the money it promises is nowhere near enough. The long-term ambitions of the strategy are welcome, but we need to see action and delivery now, not just by 2030. “There’s lots of ambition, lots of hope, but Mayors and local leaders need enough funding, and the tools to do the job to improve the lives and livelihoods of people in our region. “Our talent and potential can match anywhere in the country, but the ambitions of today’s White Paper need to be backed up by further commitments from the Treasury. “The Government have made countless promises over the last decade to strengthen regional economies. We’ve had the Northern Powerhouse, we’ve had local industrial strategies, all of which have asked local areas to chop and change their priorities. “The test for this White Paper will be whether they deliver on their promises to empower local leaders, simplify funding, and give us the freedoms and flexibilities we need to deliver for our communities.”

To truly level up, West Yorkshire Combined Authority says it needs:

• Funding for a modern public transport system including an effective, London-style bus network that properly connects communities with jobs and opportunities. It has submitted a £1bn bid to achieve its ambitions for bus services.
• Long-term funding to support jobs growth, regeneration and new infrastructure, to give the region certainty and security.
• The end of ‘beauty contests’ where regions are pitched against each other to bid in competition for small amounts of short-term funding.
• A foundation of strong, well-funded public services.
• More investment in innovation and the green economy.
• More pounds in people’s pockets and support to boost people’s incomes.

The Mayor of West Yorkshire added: “A modern, integrated public transport system is absolutely key to levelling up West Yorkshire and the North. And this White Paper contains ambitions for the country’s local public transport to be much closer to London standards by 2030. “But the Government’s Integrated Rail Plan does not match that ambition and does not meet our region’s needs. It doesn’t deliver HS2 to Leeds and Northern Powerhouse Rail with new station in Bradford. “The White Paper rightly identifies the potential of transport-led regeneration, but government’s plan denies West Yorkshire the opportunity to inject billions of pounds into our economy through this route. “We have bold and ambitious plans for our bus services. We want a London style system with a comprehensive network, capped fares and a tap in, tap out system. But government Covid funding for buses ends next month, and without any extension, there will only be enough money to prop up existing services. “Bus operators in our region are already facing major pressures and being forced to withdraw routes in areas that government really want to level up, such as Wakefield. “We’re doing what we can as a Mayoral Combined Authority, stepping in to protect routes, but we need more support from Government. “To achieve a London standard service, we estimate we need an investment of £1bn over five years, but it’s unlikely government are going to support our ambitions.” Brabin continued: “The Government says it wants to simplify and streamline the way it distributes funding to Mayors and local leaders. This is welcome. The constant competitive bidding pots and beauty contests for small amounts of time limited money restricts our long-term planning. But we’ve heard words like this before, and the test will be in the delivery of the commitment. “We’ve had confirmation that the UK Shared Prosperity Fund will finally be delivered, but we expect to get less from this than the EU funds it replaces. So, whilst the flexibilities and freedoms that this funding promises to deliver are welcome, fewer resources will limit what we’re able to achieve. “The one allocation we have received today is £22m from the Brownfield Land Fund. Sadly, this comes with the same red tape, short termism and restrictions as we had before – and this is from Michael Gove’s own department. “I do believe that Michael Gove is genuinely committed to levelling up our nation, but we need a proper commitment from every minister in this Government, including the Chancellor and the Treasury. It’s not enough to just have a single champion in the Cabinet, we need a ‘Whole Government’ approach. “I want to work with Government to further strengthen our devolution deal and deliver on our shared ambitions for our communities.”

The region’s biggest jobs fair takes place next week, with hundreds of opportunities for anyone who wants to change their future. Some of the region’s leading employers – including Ongo, Bupa Healthcare, CANPACK UK and Rocal – will be at the Baths Hall in Scunthorpe, next Wednesday, 9 February 2022, from 2.30pm to 6pm. They will be joined by dozens of other employers from the retail, hospitality, manufacturing, logistics, public sector and health and social care sectors, including Cooplands, Sawcliffe Manor, the British Army, 2 Sisters, British Steel, Humberside Fire and Rescue, Hales Group, Demeter House School – and many more. Organised by North Lincolnshire Council in partnership with the Jobcentre and the Department for Work and Pensions, the event follows the success of the first Jobs Expo last October, which saw many local people take on new roles. Anyone looking for an exciting new opportunity, or for the next step in their career, is urged to take advantage of the current jobs market, with companies looking for committed workers determined to improve outcomes for themselves and their families. Pupils from Years 11 and 13 are also invited to speak to employers about the many apprenticeship schemes and Kickstart jobs currently on offer for young people. These provide a fantastic route into training, permanent paid employment and a fulfilling career. Representatives from the National Careers Service will be in attendance for anyone needing advice and support on their employment journey. Visitors are encouraged to bring their CVs and be prepared to take part in on-the-spot interviews – they could could walk out with a better job. The Jobs Expo will be opened virtually by Scunthorpe MP Holly Mumby-Croft, and North Lincolnshire Council leader Cllr Rob Waltham will also be in attendance. Cllr Waltham said: “The kind of North Lincolnshire we want to build relies on high-quality sustainable jobs and a well-trained, motivated workforce. The Jobs Expo helps us go a long way towards achieving this. “The marketplace is very competitive right now and we are seeing employers competing hard to attract the right kind of employees, so there has never been a better time for people to take a step up. “Supporting businesses to get the people and skills they need will help build back our economy better, improving the outcomes for every family in North Lincolnshire.” The event is taking place on Wednesday 9 February 2022 from 2.30pm to 6pm at The Baths Hall, Doncaster Road, DN15 7RG.

Transport for the North chief executive Martin Tugwell is visiting Hull on February 3 to set out how TfN’s Northern Transport Charter can help to unlock the city’s economic potential and in particular the key role that investment in its transport system can have. The visit began this morning at Hull Paragon Interchange, where Mr Tugwell met with Councillor Daren Hale, leader of Hull City Council, along with senior council officers, to hear first-hand their views on the opportunities across the city’s transport network and how TfN can support them in making the case for the investment that will support local residents and businesses. Mr Tugwell then visited the Murdoch’s Connection footbridge over the A63, then the Mytongate Underpass site to view the plans and progress on the A63 Castle Street project. Next stop was the R-evolution cycle hub at Trinity Market, before Mr Tugwell headed to the Guildhall, for a lunch and further discussions on how TfN can support Hull with its goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2030 and on the need to continue to press for improved connectivity with the rest of the North in support of the economy. During the visit, TfN’s newly appointed chair, Lord Patrick McLoughlin, will join Mr Tugwell in Hull to meet with leaders in the region, including the Lord Mayor of Hull, Councillor Lynn Petrini. Launched at TfN’s annual conference last September, the Northern Transport Charter sets out a road map towards further long-term devolution of transport-related powers to the North. Mr Tugwell said: “Hull has seen underinvestment in its transport system for too long. As a global gateway to the UK, now with Freeport status, Hull’s ambition, enterprise and aspiration need to be supported if we are to see levelling up in action. “I’ve seen first-hand what can be done in Hull when it is given the opportunity. The works to the A63, which will improve access to the port, relieve congestion and integrate active travel networks, are just one example of the type of transport investment needed to support growth and enhance connectivity. “Like many in Hull, we were disappointed that the published Integrated Rail Plan did not include specific proposals for Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire. However, we remain committed to working with the area’s political and business leaders to make the case for the investment that will help support Hull’s ambition. “Our Northern Transport Charter sets out our offer to Government that shows by strengthening our collaboration we can unlock the economic potential of Hull and the wider North.” Councillor Daren Hale, leader of Hull City Council and the city’s representative on the TfN board, said: “The North of England has experienced prolonged underinvestment over many years, and the contribution that Hull could make has been discounted for too long. “The city has much to offer but there must be a process of levelling up and investing in the North to enable the economic potential of the city to be realised. “Working as a strategic partner alongside Transport for the North provides us with greater opportunity to secure future transport investment, deliver an integrated transport network that is fit for purpose and meet the challenges that face us and every other major town and city.” Launched at TfN’s annual conference last September, the charter sets out a road map towards further long-term devolution of transport-related powers to the North.