Understand
South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard discusses planning powers, food poverty and bus fares
Overview
South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard has called for greater local authority powers over major planning applications, such as the proposed Whitestone Solar Farm, rather than decisions being made by Whitehall. During a BBC Radio Sheffield phone-in, Coppard also addressed regional investment to catch up with West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester, rising food poverty, free child bus fares across South Yorkshire, and an upcoming trade mission to India featuring Sheffield FC.
Key points
- South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard wants more devolved power over major planning applications, citing the proposed Whitestone Solar Farm as a project that should be decided locally.
- Coppard argued that South Yorkshire needs to catch up with peers like West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester through increased regional investment and Northern Powerhouse Rail.
- He highlighted food poverty as a major challenge, emphasizing that food security must be a priority for the government.
- Free child bus travel is being introduced across South Yorkshire to help families save money, supporting children travelling to school.
- Coppard is joining northern mayors and secretaries of state on a trade mission to India, accompanied by Sheffield FC to promote the club and seek international investment.