York and North Yorkshire devolution deal to be signed

A devolution deal will be signed today by Levelling Up Secretary Greg Clark to create a new combined authority across York and North Yorkshire, with a directly elected mayor.

The new mayor will have powers to invest in transport, housing and education and will receive £540 million of government funding over the next 30 years.

The deal is due to be signed by Clark, alongside the leaders of North Yorkshire County Council and the City of York, on Monday, Yorkshire Day.  

Features of the deal include control of the government funding, with the mayor and local councils having more power to decide how to spend money on areas such as transport and affordable housing, as well as powers to improve local skills with devolution of Adult Education functions. The mayor will also take on the role and functions of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.

Levelling Up Secretary Greg Clark MP said: "Yorkshire Day 2022 is an historic one. It marks the return of powers and resources from London to much of the historic North Riding.

"Levelling up – driving prosperity and opportunity in all parts of Britain – is done best when people locally can forge the future of their area. This deal is a big step in that direction."

North Yorkshire County Council’s leader, Cllr Carl Les, said: "The chance to secure a host of decision-making powers as well as bringing in millions of pounds of investment for North Yorkshire is a huge opportunity to shape the future of the county for many years to come.

"Whether it is improving skills and education, bringing in more investment to the region or helping improve transport links and providing much-needed affordable housing, the deal will enable us to take far greater control of our own destinies.

"An elected mayor representing both York and North Yorkshire would be a powerful figure to have a seat at the table for further negotiations with the Government, bringing real and tangible benefits to the region."

Leader of City of York Council, Cllr Keith Aspden said: "This proposed deal is a significant milestone on the journey to secure devolution for York and North Yorkshire, and is undoubtedly a historic moment for our city, given the significant investment and powers this devolution deal can potentially bring to York and the wider region.

"Devolution represents a real opportunity to secure significant investment and powers for York and North Yorkshire, from progressing crucial work on BioYorkshire, delivering York Central, or helping us become England’s first carbon negative region.

"This proposed deal could unlock 30 years of investment to improve economic prosperity and long-term opportunities for all of our residents and businesses."

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