CONCERNS: Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority, based at Two Humber Quays
By Angus Young
The government is bringing forward a review of the governance of Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority (HEYCA).
Concerns over the authority’s leadership and vision have been raised by local council leaders, MPs and the region’s police and crime commissioner in recent weeks.
They have been triggered by an allegation of cyberflashing by Reform UK Mayor Luke Campbell, which is the subject of an ongoing police inquiry. Mr Campbell has denied any wrongdoing.
In addition, separate claims of sexual harassment and racist abuse involving staff are also being investigated internally, while the authority has yet to appoint a full-time chief executive with the £150,000-a-year post currently being advertised for the third time.
Now Local Government Minister Jim McMahon has confirmed his department will review governance arrangements at the authority next year.
Expected to start in May, the review will also examine governance at the Greater Lincolnshire Authority led by fellow Reform UK Mayor Andrea Jenkyns, and look at whether the current geographic boundaries of the two bodies are fit for purpose.
A review of the two authorities had been scheduled to take place in 2028 as part of original devolution deals for both areas.
However, the timetable is now being brought forward by 12 months.
In a Parliamentary answer, Mr McMahon said: “In September 2024, when the decision to proceed with the implementation of the Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority and the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority devolution agreements was announced, I agreed with the leaders of all the constituent councils that there would be a review of governance and geography in the third year after the mayors were elected.
“We agreed the review would report on the effectiveness of partnership arrangements in delivering successful economic and public service outcomes which reflect the unique nature of the Humber area, with the exact terms of reference to be confirmed by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
“The Department committed to consider the recommendations of the review in good faith and to co-operate with the newly established Authorities, Councils, Police and Crime Commissioners, Members of Parliament and other stakeholders, in order to maximise the benefits of devolution, securing vital investment and better outcomes for the communities and economies of Greater Lincolnshire, and Hull and East Yorkshire.
“To meet the timetable agreed to, it is my intention to initiate the preparation of the review in early 2027, with the review itself taking place from May 2027 onwards.”