York and North Yorkshire are due to elect a mayor and receive £540m of government investment over 30 years under a landmark devolution deal to be signed on Monday.
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 town and rural region to see devolution on the scale enjoyed by urban areas such as South and West Yorkshire, according to the Department for Leveling Up. The unveiling of the plan coincides with Yorkshire Day.
Leveling Secretary Greg Clark, who will sign the agreement with leaders of North Yorkshire County Council and the City of York, said: “Yorkshire Day 2022 is historic. It marks the return of powers and resources from London to much of the historic[al] Northern Riding.
“The leveling up – driving prosperity and opportunity in all parts of Britain – is best achieved when local people can shape the future of their region. This agreement is a big step in that direction. »
Residents will elect a mayor in May 2024 if the proposed deal becomes a reality.
The plans aim to tackle regional inequalities not only by bridging the national north-south divide, but also by helping to resolve economic differences between urban and rural areas.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Simon Clarke, said: “Local leaders know best what their communities need, so I am delighted that the people of York and North Yorkshire can directly elect a mayor to respond. to their priorities. .”
Leader of North Yorkshire County Council Carl Les said: “The opportunity to gain a host of decision-making powers as well as bringing in millions of pounds of investment for North Yorkshire is a huge opportunity to shape the future of the county for many years. come.
“Whether it’s improving skills and education, attracting more investment to the region or helping to improve transport links and provide much-needed affordable housing, the agreement will allow us to take much better control of our own destiny.”
York City Council Leader Keith Aspden added: “Given its importance, I encourage everyone in the city to take the opportunity to review the details of this proposed deal, which could secure tens of millions of government funding each year to support the local economy, invest in local businesses, drive innovation, especially around initiatives such as BioYorkshire, and help improve the lives of our residents. »
He said a public consultation is still under consideration, with businesses and residents to be invited to comment 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 recognize and act on development strengths and needs. of a region”.
The deal is the first of 13 devolution negotiations cited in February’s Leveling Up white paper, which details plans to create better opportunities outside the south east of England.
theguardian Gt