EAST YORKSHIRE – In a significant stride towards regional autonomy, the Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority (HEYCA) has secured control over £20.1 million in transport funding for the 2025-26 fiscal year. This move marks a pivotal moment in the area’s devolution journey, transferring decision-making powers from Whitehall to local leaders.
“Securing funding to start improving public bus and rail services, and our roads, is just the start of our journey to put real authority in the hands of local people.”
At the HEYCA Executive Board meeting on May 28, chaired by newly elected Mayor Luke Campbell MBE, the board agreed to take on £19.5 million in capital funding from central government. This includes the one-off Local Transport Grant and the Integrated Capital Block, earmarked for infrastructure renewals, maintenance, and enhancements across Hull and East Yorkshire.
Luke Campbell said the local control is crucial to delivering better outcomes: “Securing funding to start improving public bus and rail services, and our roads, is just the start of our journey to put real authority in the hands of local people.”
The funds will be allocated to Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council, enabling targeted improvements in local transport infrastructure.
He also noted the significance of the shift after decades of underinvestment: “This is new money, and a much-needed investment in our region, recognizing years of previous underfunding in the north. Most importantly, it goes directly to us to decide how to spend it.”
To ensure effective delivery, Luke Campbell plans to create a dedicated team to develop and oversee future transport projects, working in collaboration with communities and operators to ensure accountability and clarity.
In a parallel move, the board also approved plans to take over the £16.5 million Adult Skills budget for residents aged 19 and above, effective from October 2026. The change will allow local authorities to shape training and skills provision to better align with regional economic needs and employment goals.
The HEYCA Executive Board, which includes leaders from Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, and local business voices, was praised by Luke Campbell for its unified approach. “By coming together in partnership, we are already starting to unlock funding from central government which will benefit people and businesses locally.”
This funding agreement follows the £400 million devolution deal signed in September 2024, further solidifying Hull and East Yorkshire’s growing control over its economic and social future.
So what’s next for the Mayor? With transport and skills funding now within local control, Luke Campbell is expected to ramp up efforts to deliver on wider devolution promises, including economic growth, health inequalities, and housing. A regional economic strategy is said to be in the works, with a strong emphasis on bringing in new investment and supporting innovation. Luke Campbell is also expected to begin consultations on long-term transport reforms, including the potential for greater integration of public services across the region.
For more information on the Hull and Easy Yorkshire Combined Authority visit https://www.hullandeastyorkshire.gov.uk/
Image: HEYCA