Call for Yorkshire councils to merge to avoid economic 'disaster'

The Hull Commission said the region was "governed by two, often opposing, controlling minds"

A report has called for two Yorkshire councils to merge to avoid missing out on economic opportunities.

A panel set up by Hull City Council has recommended the authority is combined with neighbouring East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC).

The report said: "We consider Hull and the East Riding to be one system, but it is being governed by two, often opposing, controlling minds."

ERYC said it had not participated in the commission's inquiry.

The commission was set up in 2014 by Labour-controlled Hull to look at the possibility of changing the city's boundaries with its Conservative-run neighbour.

The move caused anger, with Stephen Parnaby, the leader of ERYC, accusing Hull of attempting a "land grab".

'Local animosity'

In the final report, businessman Tom Martin, chair of the Hull Commission, said the two authorities were in danger of missing out on the benefits of the government's plans for devolution and the "Northern Powerhouse" initiative.

"It will be disastrous for the area of Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire if they miss out on this excellent opportunity because of historical problems of local animosity," he said.

However, Mr Martin added: "We note the political realities that make this logical solution [a merger] a probable non-starter in the immediate future."

The commission also called for a larger Humber Combined Authority involving the two authorities in northern Lincolnshire to counteract the influence of surrounding combined areas such as the Sheffield and Leeds city regions.

Ian Kelly from the Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce said greater collaboration was needed among local councils.

"It's about people, jobs and wealth and the politicians need to listen to those of us that they entrust to create that wealth and prosperity," he said.

"The local authority and politicians cannot be a brake on doing the right thing for this area."