Subscribe to trusted local news
In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
- Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
23
Jan
Combined authority bids for more powers and funding flexibility
Officials at York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority have tabled plans for more powers and funding flexibility.
At a combined authority meeting on Friday (January 23), members of the board agreed to submit an application to government to secure what is known as “established status”.
The move would mean that the authority, which was set up in February 2024, could gain access to an integrated settlement from the government’s Spending Review.
This would mean it would have greater freedom to manage funding in areas such as transport and infrastructure, adult skills, employment support, housing, environment, economic development and health and wellbeing.
It would also enable funding to be moved between policy areas and financial years, supporting a more strategic, long-term approach to investment based on local needs.
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire said:
Almost four years ago, the devolution journey began in York and North Yorkshire, and we’ve seen the benefits of that. People with skin in the game, not Westminster, making decisions about how to tackle the challenges in our communities.
Today we started the next step of that journey, working with government to unlock more investment, tools, and powers for us to continue making York and North Yorkshire an even better place to live, work, and visit.
The move to gain established status would bring the combined authority in line with other areas such as Greater Manchester, West Midlands, South Yorkshire, North East and West Yorkshire.
If successful, the region would be the first rural region to gain the status.
James Farrar, chief executive of York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.
James Farrar, chief executive of York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, said:
Launching the combined authority in February 2024 marked the beginning of a new chapter for our region. Applying for this status is a bold step forward, unlocking funding, flexibility and the powers we need to realise our full potential and deliver lasting prosperity for communities across York and North Yorkshire.
Following approval, the mayor will apply to government to be designated with established status.
The formal designation of established status will require secondary legislation to be passed, following Royal Assent of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill.
However, a decision on the matter is not expected before the Summer 2026.
0