Final steps taken by Government to create Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority
The Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority can now officially begin its work after the final steps were taken by the Government to create the new body.
The signing of the relevant order by the minister moves the area closer to unlocking a £400 million investment fund, alongside powers that will move from Westminster to local decision-makers.
The Combined Authority will be led by an elected Mayor, with voters going to the polls on Thursday 1 May 2025. Elections will then take place every four years.
The Combined Authority has been created after Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council agreed a devolution deal with the Government.
The Leader of Hull City Council, Councillor Mike Ross, said: “I’m delighted that we have got to this stage in the process after years of hard work by many people.
“For too long our area has been left behind, but it’s now time for us to reach our full potential.
“The creation of the Combined Authority unlocks vital empowerment and investment, and I believe we have the talent and drive to make the most of what devolution brings.”
The Leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Councillor Anne Handley, said: “This is fantastic news and serves as a significant landmark in the devolution process.
“It’s great to receive official confirmation that devolved powers will be coming to our area, with an elected mayor, and the ability to unlock investment and opportunities for our region.”
Representatives from both councils will now put in place the necessary arrangements to operate the Combined Authority, including the delivery of May’s Mayoral election.
The new Combined Authority does not replace either Hull City Council or East Riding of Yorkshire Council. Both local authorities will retain their independence and continue their work as normal.
The new Combined Authority will take on powers relating to transport, where it will become the Local Transport Authority for the area, allowing it to develop a single strategic transport plan for the North Bank of the Humber.
Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority is created in historic day
The new Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA) is now an official body, following final communication from the Government.
The Leaders of Lincolnshire County Council and North and North East Lincolnshire unitary authorities have received an official letter from the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon OBE MP.
This confirms he has signed the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority Regulations 2025, which created the GLCCA and devolves functions to it.
In the correspondence, the Minister added: “I would like to thank you and your officers for your hard work in enabling us to deliver this landmark agreement for the people of Greater Lincolnshire.”
Following this, the first meeting of the new authority’s board will be in early March, with the election for a Mayor going ahead as planned on Thursday 1 May.
The Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Philip Jackson, said: “Having enjoyed a local political career here that has spanned more than three decades, this is a true highlight.
“We now move forward with a combined county authority that can work to effect real and positive change for all our residents. We expect to see this new authority make a significant difference in key areas, such as business growth, skills and improving our housing, our infrastructure and public transport – and this is just the start.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in the creation of the GLCCA and bringing the very best deal here to benefit our communities.”
North Lincolnshire Council Leader, Cllr Rob Waltham MBE, said: “The formal creation of the combined authority marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the residents of Lincolnshire.
“With ministerial approval now secured, we can move forward with the real work of delivering better jobs, improved transport, and greater opportunities.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to take control of our own future – ensuring that investment is directed where it will have the greatest impact and that every penny is spent delivering tangible benefits for local people.
“As someone deeply rooted in Lincolnshire, I am committed to making sure this new authority drives real, positive change – protecting our communities, growing our economy, and securing a brighter future for all.”
Cllr Martin Hill OBE, the Leader of Lincolnshire County Council, added: “There has been a lot of hard work to get to this point, and much more still to do. I firmly believe that decisions that affect local people should be taken locally, and the benefits of devolution mean that we will be in charge of our own future in Greater Lincolnshire.
“These issues are really important to residents’ everyday lives, when it comes to the housing available, how we all get about the county and the jobs and training that are available.
“We’ll also be able to deal more directly with government in representing the needs of our area, and have a clearer voice to attract more investment.”
The Government confirmed its support for the GLCCA in the autumn of last year, following a two-month public consultation last January and February.
The deal brings with it an investment package of £720 million over 30 years with a one-off capital investment of £28.4 million to invest in priority schemes across the Greater Lincolnshire footprint. With it also comes an elected Mayor to chair the new authority and give the region a greater voice in Westminster.
Housing Association gets £800k to help with erosion rehoming project
East Riding of Yorkshire council has approved an £800,000 contribution towards a proposed new housing development to be managed and developed by Broadacres Housing Association for residents displaced by coastal erosion in Skipsea.
The contribution is funded by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs , as part of the Changing Coast East Riding project. The council secured £15m funding for the project in 2022.
The project, at Church Farm, Skipsea, is part of the £200m Flood and Coastal Innovation Programme run by the Environment Agency and is on the site of derelict agricultural buildings.
The Skipsea development will increase social housing availability in a coastal and rural region of East Yorkshire where there is significant need and will help keep residents in their local area.
Councillor Barbara Jefferson, East Riding of Yorkshire Council cabinet member for Heritage and Coastal said “Coastal erosion is a real challenge in the East Riding, where we have some of the fastest eroding coastlines in Europe. We’re committed to supporting communities facing coastal erosion and taking proactive steps to ensure the long term security of our coastal regions.”
Helen Fielding, Director of Development and Investment at Broadacres, said: “We are delighted that East Riding of Yorkshire Council have pledged support for this important project.
“We are working hard to finalise our plans for its delivery and hope to be in a position to make a further announcement in the very near future.
“These homes are of critical importance to local residents, and we are grateful for the partnership working with the Council and other funding bodies that will enable us to deliver them.’
Manufacturing network teams up with charity to provide free mental health support
Made in Group, the network that champions, unites, and empowers manufacturers across the Midlands and Yorkshire, has teamed up with Mental Health Innovations, a national charity that powers the Shout helpline. This partnership will enable the group’s 300+ member companies to provide free mental health support to 126,000 manufacturers.
The Made in Group membership is made up of 320 manufacturing businesses across its Made in the Midlands and Made in Yorkshire networks. Shout is the UK’s first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging mental health support service.
The Made in Group is funding access to a Shout helpline, run by trained volunteers, for all network members. Anyone working in a member organisation that has signed up to the initiative can access free support by sending a text message that will enable them to start a conversation with a Shout volunteer at any time of the day or night.
Made in Group CEO Jason Pitt explains the thinking behind the project: “Studies show that manufacturing ranks in the bottom 10% of industries for employee mental health, with 17 million days lost due to work-related stress, depression, or anxiety between 2021 and 2022.
“Add to this the fact that, despite efforts to redress the balance, our sector remains heavily male-dominated, with men making up more than 80% of the workforce in the sector, and men are more than 40% less likely to talk openly about their mental health.
“Our aim is to enable our members to provide free, confidential support for their employees and to help break down stigmas surrounding mental health. We are also keen to encourage a culture of more open conversations about mental health in the workplace and the industry.”
The Made in Group plans to host a series of workshops and events throughout the year, offering further tools and strategies to help manufacturers create supportive environments for their teams. They are also planning a series of fundraising activities for Shout.
Francesca Hughes, partnerships manager at Mental Health Innovations, adds: “At Mental Health Innovations, we are pleased to be partnering with Made In Group to help support engineers across the Midlands and Yorkshire.
“Common challenges those in the industry face, such as financial worries and loneliness, can have a significant impact on mental health, so we want to ensure they have access to immediate and confidential support whenever they need.
“Through our free, confidential and 24/7 text service Shout, we hope to help more people feel heard, supported and empowered to seek further help with their mental health.”
Record number of SMEs expected to attend largest-ever export conference
More than 1,000 business leaders will today attend the today’s UK Trade and Export Finance Forum to discuss ways of reducing financial barriers to exporting.
Hosted in London by UK Export Finance, the largest-ever event of its kind welcomes speakers from the CBI, British Chambers of Commerce, and Invest in Women Taskforce. Workshops will discuss overseas opportunities and how government and private sector can collaborate to help a wider range of businesses to export.
Gareth Thomas, Minister for Exports, said: “UKEF plays a key part in this government’s central mission to go further and faster to deliver economic growth across the country. Their support has led to projects in dozens of countries around the world, supporting jobs, boosting wages and increased investment into the UK.
“Supporting small firms and supercharging exports are at the very core of that growth mission, because we know that when more SMEs trade around the world, it boosts the whole economy.”
In the 2023-24 financial year, UKEF backing for businesses contributed £3.3 billion to the UK economy and supported up to 41,000 jobs across the country, securing export deals to 45 territories, increasing the availability of overseas contract opportunities for British businesses. A majority of businesses seeking UKEF support and attending the conference are SMEs. Export finance support complements other actions which the government is taking to support SMEs, like measures tackling the scourge of late payments, the launch of a Business Growth Service, and trade agreements generating new opportunities.Continued growth for Keighley glazing firm
A glazing firm in Keighley has created five new jobs as part of its expansion, which was funded in part by the Keighley Towns Fund.
Marlin Windows is a family-owned business founded in 2003, which manufactures aluminium glazing systems, and they received £30,938.79 from the towns fund to expand their premises.
The business makes windows and doors including sliding patio doors, bi-fold doors, bespoke entrance doors, steel replacement aluminium windows and doors for heritage properties, from their factory on Fruit Street.
Managing Director Adrian Martin said: “Alongside significant investment of our own, we have used the grant from the towns fund towards the expansion of our premises. We have been able to acquire an additional adjacent 12,000 sq ft unit which will enable us to grow the business.
“This investment means we can continue to offer the highest quality in manufacturing to our growing customer base. We currently employ 23 people and the funding has meant we’ve been able to grow our team with five new roles.
“Bradford Council’s Business Investment & Enterprise team have provided business advice and support during the recruitment, and we are looking forward to continue to grow our business in expanded new premises.”
Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Transport and Planning, Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw said: “Keighley has a strong heritage in manufacturing, and it is great to see a family business like this going from strength to strength.
“This is exactly what the capital grants are for, to support local businesses so that they can thrive which creates opportunities for local people in terms of skills and jobs.”
Keighley Towns Fund Chair, Tim Rogers added: “Businesses across Keighley have made good use of these grants to upgrade and expand their facilities and we wish Marlin Windows every continued success in their new premises.”
Streets’ to deliver annual update on issues affecting payroll management, HR and compliance
Whether you have just one employee or a large workforce, you do payroll in house or use a payroll bureau, have an HR team or not, Streets Chartered Accountants’ Annual Payroll & HR Update aims to keep you informed of the issues, regulations and changes affecting payroll management, HR and compliance.
Taking place from 11:00 – 12:00 on Wednesday 19th February, the virtual event will also look at the broader HR matters that may concern employers now and in the year ahead, along with the potential impact of changes to and the introduction of new employment legislation.
Payroll – a topical update and refresher
Theresa Waddingham, Partner, Streets Chartered Accountants
Theresa’s presentation will focus on the forthcoming changes affecting payroll as we start a new tax year, along with some useful hints and tips to make your life easier to ensure that those charged with payroll are on the right track. Her presentation will include the following:
- NLW and NMW changes and rates for 2025
- Statutory increases
- Working from home expenses
- Working from home when home is in another country
- Changes to the employment allowance
- Employment allowance and connected entities
- Employers NI changes
- What can be done to mitigate the NI increases
- What can we anticipate in the future
- What businesses need to do to demonstrate that they are taking measures to prevent sexual harassment following the amendment to the Equality Act that came in in October 2024 and the guidance issued by Equality and Human Rights Commission
- What will happen with the Government’s Employment Rights Bill in 2025
- Other legislation that will come into force in 2025 that businesses should be aware of
To register for the event click here.
This presentation will be recorded and available on demand for those not able to join live. Simply register to receive a link to watch on demand.Leeds children’s charity appoints new CEO
Leeds Children’s Charity at Lineham Farm has appointed Sharon Milner as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Leeds-born Sharon brings 18 years of experience in the charity sector to the new role, having spent the last two years as director of Bradford Hospitals Charity, and prior to that, 16 years as CEO for the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.
Sharon replaces Dave Norman MBE who has held the position of CEO of Leeds Children’s Charity at Lineham Farm for the last 10 years.
Under Sharon’s leadership, the charity aims to continue expanding its reach, ensuring that even more children can benefit from the support and care it provides.
Speaking about her appointment Sharon said: “I am enormously proud to be back in my home city taking up the position of CEO for Leeds Children’s Charity at Lineham Farm. The charity provides a vital service for youngsters in Leeds by offering adventure and learning in a safe and happy environment.
“The team here do an incredible job, helping to make a real difference to young people and I am looking forward to continuing this excellent work, further strengthening our brand, and highlighting the hugely important impact the charity’s work has on the lives of deprived children across the city.
“Currently around 20% of young people living in Leeds live in poverty and in some areas this figure is far higher, reaching 55%. My commitment is to continue to help as many of these children as possible to enjoy some fun and normality away from their difficult circumstances and help to play a positive part in their future development.”
Welcoming Sharon to her new position, Dave Norman MBE, said: “It’s been an honour to lead the Leeds Children’s Charity at Lineham Farm for the past 10 years and I am hugely proud of all we’ve achieved in that time.
“I am very pleased to welcome Sharon as the new CEO knowing that the charity’s work will continue to develop under her guidance, support and leadership. I know the team feel the same as I do, and that they will do all they can to support Sharon in the coming months as she acclimatises to life on the farm and at the charity.”
£18m funding secured to support completion of residential development in Leeds’ Climate Innovation District
Citu has secured an £18m development finance facility from Maslow Capital to support the completion of an 87-unit residential development, District Lofts, in Leeds’ Climate Innovation District.
The scheme will comprise a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, including seven affordable units, contributing to Leeds’ housing supply amidst a growing undersupply in the market.
The development is part of a wider 955-home masterplan that will deliver a net-zero residential district supported by an aligned leisure offering and multigenerational building, including a school and care home.
Citu designs its schemes with Passivhaus principles in mind. To achieve high sustainability standards, its homes feature triple-glazed windows, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery systems, and airtight construction methods to minimise energy consumption. Additionally, sustainable drainage systems enhance water management.
Construction of District Lofts is underway, with completion anticipated in Summer 2025.
Sky Mapson, Senior Director, Origination at Maslow Capital, said: “This partnership with Citu exemplifies Maslow Capital’s commitment to financing forward-thinking, high-quality developments that push the boundaries of sustainable living.
“The Climate Innovation District is a benchmark in urban regeneration, and we are proud to support a scheme that not only delivers much-needed housing but also integrates pioneering construction techniques to dramatically lower the built environment’s carbon footprint.
“We look forward to seeing this vision come to life and its positive impact on the future of UK residential development.”
Chris Thompson, Founder of Citu, said: “At Citu, we believe the homes we build should actively combat climate change, and this project embodies that belief. By integrating smart design with sustainable materials and construction methods, we are proving that urban living can be both aspirational and benefit the planet.
“With Maslow Capital’s support, we are realising our ambition of creating the most impactful places for our planet.”
Yorkshire Water plans service enhancement – with an increase in bills
Yorkshire Water plans to spend £8.3bn between now and 2030 to improve services for customers and upgrade infrastructure – but bills will rise by almost 30% as a result.
The work for the first year will include:
- Replacement of more than 200km of water mains, as part of 1,085km of main replacement over the next five years.
- More than 150,000 smart meter exchanges across the region
- Over £250m investment to reduce storm overflows across the region and continuously monitor the quality of our rivers, as part of a £1.5bn investment over five years
- More than £2bn investment in the water industry national environment programme (WINEP) over the next five years
- £67m to continue our work to reduce Phosphorus entering watercourses at 45 wastewater treatment works, of which 13 will be completed in the first year.
- £23m on improved monitoring of the wastewater network
- Investment in water treatment works at East Ness, Doncaster boreholes, Ingbirchworth, Haisthorpe and the construction of a new borehole at Brayton
- New investments at Scarborough, Robin Hood’s Bay and Bridlington to improve bathing water quality
