New powers are set to be transferred to a directly elected mayor in York and North Yorkshire as part of a historic devolution deal.
Levelling Up Secretary Greg Clark and the leaders of North Yorkshire County Council and City of York Council today will today sign a deal that will see the creation of a combined authority and a directly elected mayor.
The mayor will have powers to invest in transport, housing, and education, and will be handed £540m by Government over the next 30 years.
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.’
The deal is the first of 13 devolution negotiations named in the Levelling Up White Paper to come to fruition.
Commenting on the deal, 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, added: ‘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.’