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Jan 2023
Last Updated: 28/12/2022
Looking ahead 2023: Devolution - what happens now?
Pictured: Signing the proposed deal on Yorkshire Day
When Harrogate Borough Council is abolished in April, the first signs of political change in the district will come to fruition.
This year, we can also expect to hear more about the £540 million devolution deal for North Yorkshire which has been agreed in principle.
But what happens now with devolution and when can we expect to see a new mayor and combined authority that comes with the deal?
What happens from April?
On April 1, Harrogate Borough Council will no longer exist.
It will be replaced by North Yorkshire Council, which is replacing all seven district authorities and North Yorkshire County Council.
It means that council tax will be paid to the new council and services, assets and planning decisions will be transferred to the new authority.
What about the devolution deal?
The £540 million devolution deal, which includes a directly elected mayor for North Yorkshire and York, has been agreed in principle.
A public consultation on the deal was completed last month.
However, it still has to be ratified by both City of York Council and North Yorkshire County Council.
It is expected that this will come before both councils in February 2023 to decide whether to proceed with the deal.
When will a mayor for North Yorkshire be elected?
Councillors still need to agree to the devolution deal in order to start setting up the office of an elected mayor for North Yorkshire.
Both councils can then undertake a governance review in order to create the position of mayor.
According to the timetable outlined in the devolution deal agreed between City of York Council, the county council and government, a mayor could be elected in May 2024, should all go ahead.
What about the combined authority?
As part of a devolution deal which was announced this week, a combined authority will be set up for North Yorkshire and York.
The move will be historic for the county as it joins Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and Tees Valley in setting up such an authority.
A combined authority is a body set up for two or more councils to make joint decisions.
In this case, the upcoming North Yorkshire Council and City of York Council would come together to make decisions on matters such as economic development and transport.
Should it be given the go-ahead, a combined authority could be set up for North Yorkshire and York by autumn this year.
Read more:
- £540m North Yorkshire devolution deal looks set to progress, say officials
- North Yorkshire leaders set up devolution decision making body
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