The deal will create a new combined authority across the region headed by a directly elected mayor, who will have the power to spend the money on local priorities such as transport, education and housing. It is the first city and rural area to see devolution on the scale enjoyed by city regions such as South and West Yorkshire, according to the Department for Leveling Up. The unveiling of the plan coincides with Yorkshire Day. Tier secretary Greg Clarke, who will sign the deal with North Yorkshire County Council and City of York leaders, said: “Yorkshire Day 2022 is historic. It marks the return of power and resources from London for much of history[al] North Riding. “Rising the bar – boosting prosperity and opportunity in all parts of Britain – is best done when people locally can shape the future of their area. This agreement is a big step in that direction.” Residents will elect a mayor in May 2024 if the proposed deal goes through. The plans aim to tackle regional disparities not only by reducing the national North-South divide, but also by helping to address economic disparities between urban and rural areas. Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Simon Clarke, said: “Local leaders are best placed to know what their communities need, so I am delighted that the people of York and North Yorkshire will be able to directly elect a mayor to fulfill their priorities.” Leader of North Yorkshire County Council, Carl Less, said: “The opportunity to secure a range of decision-making powers as well as bring 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. to come. “Whether it’s improving skills and education, investing more in the region or improving transport links and providing much-needed affordable housing, the deal will allow us to take much greater control of our own destinies.” City of York council leader Keith Aspden added: “Given its importance, I would urge everyone in the city to take the opportunity to consider the details of this proposed deal, which could secure tens of millions of government funding a year for supporting the local economy, invest in local businesses, drive innovation, particularly around initiatives like BioYorkshire, and help improve the lives of our residents.” He said a public consultation was still under consideration, with businesses and residents invited to have their say on the details of the deal, if agreed. The Confederation of British Industry welcomed the announcement. Regional director Beckie Hart said she “has long believed that local leaders, supported by the private sector and wider stakeholders, are best placed to identify and act on a region’s strengths and development needs”. The deal is the first of 13 devolution deals named in February’s Leveling Up White Paper, which detailed plans to create better opportunities outside the south-east of England.
