A ‘COALITION of the willing’ hoping to strike a devolution deal for Yorkshire have asked officers to work up the plans.

Leaders from 17 local authorities, including Bradford, say that by coming together and striking a joint deal with the Government, they could “finally complete the missing piece in the Northern Powerhouse project”.

Previously there had been several, rival bids proposing how to carve up the Yorkshire region, prompting frustration in the business community as talks stalled.

Deals elsewhere in the country have already seen new mayors elected to oversee powers handed down from the Government.

A statement from the group said work would now begin on the details of their bid, dubbed ‘One Yorkshire’.

It said: “Officers have been tasked to develop proposals for such a deal working with stakeholders, MPs, businesses, unions and political groups.

“At the same time, we will be seeking an urgent meeting with Ministers to discuss how best we can work as partners to progress a One Yorkshire devolution deal and obtain clarity on the Government’s position.

“We are confident that given the right deal and the right funding, Yorkshire can finally complete the missing piece in the Northern Powerhouse project benefiting Yorkshire, the North and the whole country in the process.”

The coalition currently includes all but three of Yorkshire’s local authorities.

Leaders in Sheffield and Rotherham still favour a deal which had been struck for the Sheffield City Region, while leaders in Wakefield are understood to prefer the idea of a mayor overseeing the Leeds City Region.