December’s column by David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire – originally published by The Press.

Government made a pledge this week to “create a new era of local power”, so what does that mean for York and North Yorkshire?

The English Devolution White Paper promotes devolution as a way to improve economic growth, enable more joined-up delivery of public services, and create a landscape of politics being done with communities, not to them.

It’s a commitment to working in partnership with us, alongside every area of England, providing long-term security in delivering for you. It recognises that every area has unique features, which need to be allowed to shine, but by working together we have a stronger proposition both nationally and internationally.

Having been in office since May, and the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority formed under a year ago, we are at the early stages of our journey. Around us, others have benefited from devolution over several years. West Yorkshire is now home to the UK’s fastest growing digital industry outside London, and South Yorkshire has attracted new investment with major manufacturers such as Boeing and McLaren, bringing in new jobs.

Developing plans

I want to ensure we develop our devolution plans alongside you. Since my election, I have visited and listened to communities across our region and I understand the opportunities, and barriers, that exist. This White Paper shows the commitment from government, giving us the tools to transform, connecting people to opportunities, allowing communities to thrive by understanding that we know what is right for our areas.

Early success of devolution in York and North Yorkshire is evident. I have used funds to ensure that over 1,100 new homes will be built on brownfield land, over half of which will be affordable. Local authority projects have been developed and finalised, such as York’s Cultural Passport programme and the Selby Station Gateway scheme. This is putting power back into our region, supporting, and developing projects which ensure neighbourhoods can thrive.

Work to develop our long-term growth plans, alongside our regional and national partners is underway, and is supported by our Business Board, providing real world experience and local insight. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and we have companies recognised nationally and internationally. I want business to help shape policies, which will create more and better opportunities for all.

We shouldn’t be controlled from the top nor should politicians over 200 miles away tell us what is right for us. As mayors, we need to be able to influence government, co-designing programmes which work for the places and people we represent. Having met the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister on several occasions, I know that we have a seat at the top table. This White Paper strengthens that.

York and North Yorkshire is unique. We are the first rural, coastal and city area to devolve. The Prime Minister wants to unleash a green energy and we have a big part to play. We can use our vast region to deliver our commitment to becoming a net zero region by 2034, and carbon negative by 2040 – an ambition being developed through our Routemap to Carbon Negative. Early on, we committed £10 million to net zero projects, enabling climate action. This summer, I announced a further £10 million for the Carbon Negative Challenge Fund, which aims to accelerate this transformation.

This is one of our leading propositions for our Growth Plan which will drive economic growth, create jobs, attract investment and opportunities for you. We want to make sure that everyone feels the benefits of devolution.

We are the first largely rural area to have devolved responsibilities including transport, housing, skills, police and fire. We can’t follow the blueprint set by others that devolved before us. We must trailblaze, delivering what’s right for our region, making sure that all areas can take the step to devolution. With the backing of government, we will empower their journey easier, showing how local decisions deliver massive results.

Ultimately, in York, and across our region, I want to develop healthy and resilient communities, that are connected to opportunity, where people live in warm and affordable homes, where people are connected to the outdoors and where there are safe places for all. The government know that for growth and an improvement in living standards to happen, mayors need the flexibility and freedom to do what’s right for our regions. This White Paper shows that commitment.

Precept consultation

Before my next column in January, would you have time to take part in our latest consultation?  I am asking for your views before setting the amount that goes to North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service from your council tax bill, also known as the precepts. The survey is open until Monday 20 January and is available online here https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/CombinedAuthority/.

Further details, incudes links to other formats, are also available in the consultation and engagement section of the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority website here.

May I also take this opportunity to wish everyone celebrating, a happy Christmas and New Year.

Published on Thursday 19 December 2024