The Mayor of York and North Yorkshire is seeking to attract further investment into the region, as he reflects on his first months in office.
David Skaith took up office on 7 May, becoming the first elected Mayor of York and North Yorkshire. Now, at the helm of the newly formed York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, Mayor Skaith is working alongside local leaders to create a long-term vision for the region.
He said: “My role, and that of the new Combined Authority, brings devolved powers and £540 million of investment over 30 years for York and North Yorkshire. That gives us the opportunity to shape our region into a vibrant place, full of opportunity.
“I’m pleased by the progress we have made so far. An economic framework – the foundation for the Combined Authority’s strategic work and planning – has been approved, and £27.5 million has been agreed in principle to progress funds across key areas of work. Meeting communities, businesses, and stakeholders is helping to shape our direction. One such area is transport, where I am visiting communities from Low Bentham to Selby, and working closely with both local authorities to develop a transport system that works for all.
“Looking ahead, we will build on this strong start by developing a10-year economic growth plan, which we will be consulting on later in 2024. This will be supported by a new Business Board, and we’ll be progressing the recently launched Invest in York and North Yorkshire partnership.
“We’ve had positive meetings with the new Government about the prospect of deeper devolution and further investment for York and North Yorkshire, and closer working is taking place with my fellow Mayors around the country. Our region is unique among other devolved areas. That will help our growth potential and we can also become a trailblazer for rural economies.”
Launched in February, York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority has a membership of City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council.
North Yorkshire Council’s leader, Cllr Carl Les, said: “We have pledged to work closely with the mayor, and the first months since his election have shown that the foundations are being laid for benefits that will be felt by communities across York and North Yorkshire.
“One of our big priorities for North Yorkshire is to ensure that there is the opportunity for businesses to grow and flourish, bringing new jobs and improving skills for workers now and in the future.
“It has been heartening to see that the mayor is embracing this philosophy too, meeting businesses in Thirsk to help to shape a new high streets fund worth up to £10 million, and also visiting the former colliery at Gascoigne Wood near Selby, which is to become a major hub for enterprise with the potential to create thousands of jobs.
“We will continue to build a close working relationship with the mayor to ensure that the potential of the long-awaited devolution deal to bring more decision-making powers and millions of pounds in extra funding to the region is fully realised.”
Key milestones in the Mayor’s first months in office include:
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Four new funds worth up to £27.5 million agreed in principle. The Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets, Carbon Negative Challenge Fund, Business Innovation Fund and Skills Innovation Fund aim to enable growth across the region and test new ideas.
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The Mayor launched recruitment for business leaders to form a Business Board which will help shape our economic growth plan.
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Progression of the York and North Yorkshire Brownfield Housing Fund, with phase two projects approved for funding during July. Overall, £11 million has been allocated to help build more than 1,000 homes on brownfield sites in the region – 433 of which are affordable.
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Invest in York and North Yorkshire partnership, a driver for inward investment, has been launched, with the Mayor identifying six key sectors he believes are key to economic growth.
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Linking with other regional leaders and Mayors in neighbouring Combined Authorities, and meeting the new Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer. This has presented a platform to champion the region and develop close working relationships.
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With the inclusion of the Police, Fire and Crime Commission within the Combined Authority, there has been opportunity for residents to raise issues via online meetings and at the Great Yorkshire Show.
