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21
Oct 2023
Start date for North Yorkshire combined authority delayed
The establishment of the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority looks set to be delayed, according to a council report.
The combined authority, which will be overseen by a directly elected mayor, is expected to have powers to make decisions on matters such as economic development and transport.
Its formation will be overseen by Harrogate-born James Farrar as chief operating officer in its transition year.
The authority had been due to be set up this year and begin operation in May.
However, according to a North Yorkshire Council report, the establishment of the authority looks set to be delayed as parliament debates the devolution deal later this month.
The Stray Ferret asked York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership, which is helping to form the combined authority, when the start date would be delayed to.
In response, a spokesperson said:
Read more:
- Harrogate man to lead set-up of North Yorkshire combined authority
- Explained: What is North Yorkshire’s combined authority?
An order is expected be laid before parliament later in the autumn, which will include provisions for powers and funding tied to a devolution deal as well as paving the way for the creation of the authority.
The move to set up a combined authority comes as North Yorkshire agreed a historic devolution deal with government.
The proposed devolution deal includes a £7 million investment to drive green economic growth towards the ambition of York and North Yorkshire becoming the country’s first carbon negative region.
There is also proposed investment of up to £2.65 million to deliver affordable low-carbon housing, and £13 million for the building of new homes on brownfield land during 2023/24 and 2024/25.
The elected mayor will make decisions on investments in strategic priorities such as for transport, housing, and adult education.
The mayor will also have responsibilities for community safety and strategic responsibility for the totality of policing, fire and crime for York and North Yorkshire.
They will appoint a deputy mayor to carry out many of the powers and duties of the role currently known as police, fire and crime commissioner.
An election for the mayor will be held in May 2024.
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