Mayor meets businesses to shape high streets fund

The Mayor of York and North Yorkshire has been meeting businesses to help shape a new high streets fund worth up to £10 million.

David Skaith was in Thirsk today (23), speaking to traders to develop his Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund ahead of an expected launch later this year.

Yesterday (22), a four-year £10 million indicative budget for the fund was approved by the membership of York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. Money has been allocated from the Mayoral Investment Fund, part of the region’s 30-year, £540 million devolution deal.

David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: “High streets are not dying. They’re changing and we need to adapt. There’s no denying that high streets have been through a challenging time. We need to understand how those that have survived have adapted so that we can support them to help build resilience more broadly.

“I want to support healthy, safe, and thriving communities in York and North Yorkshire and high streets are a focal point for that. They’re a hub for communities, they generate local pride, they offer identity and help tackle rural isolation. To shape our fund, I’m listening to the people who know best, gathering local knowledge to provide insight and inform our policy.

“I’m grateful to businesses across York and North Yorkshire who have offered their time to tell me more about their challenges, and opportunities, and I look forward to hearing from more around the region as this fund develops.”

Having visited businesses in Thirsk town centre, the Mayor hosted a roundtable for more than 20 business, local authority and business support representatives from across York and North Yorkshire.

Chris Sands, founder of Totally Locally, was among those at the event. He said: "I think the Mayor's high street fund is a fantastic project and, used properly, it can have a huge effect. I really like the way the Mayor is going about this by targeting the right people and listening to local solutions rather than imposing his own ideas.

"I think our high streets can be improved by listening to local businesses. If you want a high street expert listen to people here like White Rose Books who have been here 29 years, they know what they are doing. There are also new shops that come in and can change a place. If we can listen to them and gather that knowledge that is going to have the biggest effect."

Following input from stakeholders, a fund prospectus will require approval from the Combined Authority membership before an expected launch in the autumn.

Published on Tuesday 23 July 2024

A major new employment programme, led locally by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, has today launched across the region.

Connect to Work is set to support more than 2,500 residents over the next four years. The service is also available to employers, offering help with recruitment, induction and adaptations.

The UK Government programme has a focus on supporting people with disabilities, health conditions and complex needs. Residents can access one-to-one, tailored guidance to help them get into work and stay there. The service is free to both individuals and employers.

The programme officially launched at a Good Work, Health and Skills Forum, hosted by the Combined Authority in York today (26).

David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said:

“There are rising numbers of people out of work in our region, but many of those want to change their lives, get a job and provide for their families.

“That’s why I am incredibly proud to officially launch our Connect to Work programme. From today, we’re working with expert partners to provide an extra helping hand to those who need it.

“It will mean that people with disabilities, long-term health conditions and other complex needs will get a route into work, and we’ll be here to help them.”

Four partner organisations have been commissioned by the Combined Authority to deliver support: North Yorkshire Council, City of York Council, Better Connect and Ingeus Employment.

Natasha Babar-Evans, CEO of Better Connect said

“Better Connect is proud to deliver Connect to Work in York, supporting individuals with health conditions, disabilities, or complex barriers to access and sustain employment through tailored, one-to-one support.

In partnership with VCSE organisations Waythrough and Working for Health, we provide compassionate, community-based support designed to meet people’s individual needs and circumstances”.

Cllr Pete Kilbane, Executive Member for Economy and Culture for City of York Council, said:

“Supporting people into work and removing barriers to employment has many benefits both to individuals and the wider economy, unlocking hidden talent and potential and ensuring that no one is left behind. We are continuing to work with a range of partners to create jobs across a wide range of sectors, ensuring that York has a thriving and inclusive local economy, and these programmes should have a positive impact on people’s lives."

Julie Graham, CEO of Ingeus Employment said:

“Our teams in North Yorkshire have a deep understanding of the local labour market and know how to support people into work.

“Their empathy and understanding about the impact that health conditions and disabilities can have on day-to-day life for people, combined with our relationships with local employers, means Connect to Work will provide opportunities and employment for local residents.”

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for health and adult services, Cllr Michael Harrison, said:

“The Connect to Work scheme represents a real step forward for North Yorkshire.

“As part of the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, we are pleased to play our role in helping people overcome the barriers that prevent them from finding work and to support them in gaining a foothold in the workplace.

“We’re also dedicated to ensuring that those with disabilities or additional needs and health conditions can secure and sustain meaningful employment.

“By working closely with employers and our partners, we’re helping to create a more inclusive workforce and opening opportunities for people who have previously been overlooked."

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority received £10 million from the Department for Work and Pensions to run Connect to Work locally until March 2030.

Anyone seeking support can visit the Combined Authority’s Work and Skills Interchange website: https://interchange.yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk/ or call 0800 654 6341.