Commission calls for Hull and East Riding combined authority

Hull and East Riding should merge to create a combined authority, according to a report published by the Hull Commission.

The report argues that both councils should look to benefit from the government’s devolution agenda, claiming that the merger would boost the region’s economy and give it a ‘significant voice’ in the Northern Powerhouse.

The Commission is made up of nine business figures, academics and public sector professionals and was asked 18 months ago by the City Council to consider whether Hull's tight boundaries were holding back the development and regeneration of the city and the wider sub-region.

Tom Martin, Commission chairman, said: "Our report seeks to provide Hull and the East Riding with a springboard for action and an acceleration and deepening of co-operation between the two councils.

"Hull has huge potential for economic development, the East Riding currently provides much of the space for this to happen and, in turn, Hull provides the key urban facilities for much of the whole area. We consider that the two areas are in fact an interlocking single system and should develop as such.

"In effect, they have one heart but are of two minds, yet it is clear that one cannot exist without the other. We therefore consider that significant change is needed to develop single policies, strategies and operational management plans for the whole of the Hull and East Riding area."

Stephen Brady, leader of Hull City Council, welcomed the report, saying: “Hull already works very well with the East Riding in many areas and this has helped to secure significant benefits in terms of inward investment and jobs.

“We are now beginning to strengthen this coordinated approach and I believe that both councils are now committed to working together more closely on a wider range of issues. As this moves forward, I fully endorse the idea of developing a set of shared values that will underpin and demonstrate the strength of our partnership.”