This project will explore the policy, economic and operational considerations involved in introducing a visitor levy across York and North Yorkshire. The research will: 

• Review national and international best practice in the design and delivery of visitor levies; 

• Assess the potential economic, social and environmental impacts of a levy in different parts of the region; 

• Explore governance and accountability models for local reinvestment of levy income; 

• Identify the legal, regulatory and administrative steps required to implement a levy at local or regional level. 

The project will support ours and our local partners in designing a fair, effective and locally tailored visitor levy that strengthens the visitor economy, supports place-based investment, and aligns with Government priorities on sustainable tourism and local fiscal devolution. 

This project will explore the causes, impacts, and lived experience of deprivation in coastal communities across York and North Yorkshire. It will: 

• Map current provision of public services, infrastructure and support within coastal areas; 

• Identify key social, economic, and health-related deprivation indicators; 

• Assess existing local and national interventions aimed at coastal regeneration; 

• Highlight gaps in service and policy delivery. 

The research will directly support the co-design of a targeted “City, Coast and Country” strategy to improve outcomes for coastal communities. By aligning with Government missions on place, opportunity and health, the project will also enhance our ability to position itself for future investment and influence emerging policy at a national level. 

This project will explore how we could use the English Devolution Bill’s right to request powers to seek the transfer of selected rural affairs functions from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The research will: 

• Map DEFRA functions relevant to York and North Yorkshire’s rural economy, environment, and communities, identifying those with the greatest potential for local delivery; 

• Assess the economic, environmental, and social impacts of devolving these functions, alongside governance and resource considerations; 

• Draw on national and international examples of effective rural policy devolution; 

• Engage local stakeholders, including farmers, land managers, rural businesses, and community organisations, to co-design priority proposals. 

The project will provide an evidence-based case for targeted devolution in rural affairs, enabling us to lead nationally on innovative, place-based approaches to rural policy and delivery. 

This project will examine how business rates policy could be reformed to better support businesses, particularly in their early stages, by removing the barrier of onerous upfront charges. The research will: 

• Review national and international models for more flexible, growth-friendly approaches to business rates; 

• Assess the economic impact of easing the burden of business rates on entrepreneurship, innovation, and high street vitality; 

• Explore devolved options for piloting business rates reform tailored to the needs of York and North Yorkshire; 

• Provide recommendations on how the region can champion reform that supports business growth, job creation, and economic resilience.