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Mar

Last Updated: 08/03/2024

North Yorkshire mayor to be given power to levy precept

by Calvin Robinson Chief Reporter

| 10 Mar, 2024

North Yorkshire Council headquarters in Northallerton.

The mayor of York and North Yorkshire will have the power to levy a precept on council tax to fund their office functions.

A report outlining how the mayoral combined authority will be governed is due to be heard by North Yorkshire councillors next week.

Among the powers include the ability for the mayor to charge a precept on top of council tax in order to “fund mayoral functions”.

Conservative candidate for the position, Keane Duncan, last month ruled out charging a new tax if he is elected in May.

He said:

“I can confirm I will charge you, the taxpayer, precisely zero pounds and zero pence for new mayoral responsibilities.

“I will not add to your council tax bills by asking you to pay for anything other than essential police and fire services. This will be the case this year and every year of my term as your mayor."

Meanwhile, the report also includes the power for the mayor to elect a deputy to take on police and crime functions.

The position would be similar to that in West Yorkshire, where mayor Tracy Brabin elected Alison Lowe to oversee policing and crime in the region.

However, the deputy mayor cannot be the leader of North Yorkshire Council or City of York Council.

The report adds that a renumeration panel has been set up to recommend the mayor’s allowance.

It said:

“The panel has been established, appointing two panel members from each of the constituent council’s panel with a view to making a recommendation in relation to the mayor in March 2024, with consideration of remuneration for the remaining roles above at a later date.”

Mayoral election to cost more than £2 million

Looking ahead: A new mayor and combined authority for North Yorkshire

Voters across North Yorkshire will go to the polls on May 2 to elect the first ever mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

A combined authority report published in January revealed that the election is set to cost taxpayers £2.2 million.

Who is standing to be mayor?

Pateley Bridge man and former police officer Keith Tordoff will stand as an independent after previously announcing he would run for the Yorkshire Party.

The Green Party has chosen former soldier Kevin Foster as its candidate.

The Conservative Party has picked Malton councillor and ex-journalist Keane Duncan, who is currently in charge of transport at North Yorkshire Council.

Labour has chosen local business owner and chair of the York High Street Forum David Skaith.

Swinton Park owner Felicity Cunliffe-Lister will stand for mayor for the Liberal Democrats.

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North Yorkshire mayor to be given power to levy precept

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Who is standing to be mayor?