Council leaders present ‘compelling’ case for One Yorkshire devolution deal to Government

Council leaders in Yorkshire have urged the Government to work with them and deliver a One Yorkshire devolution deal that could boost the economy by £30bn.

A new independent study confirmed there is a coherent Yorkshire economy and that devolution in the region could unlock benefits worth as much as £5,400 per person.

The findings are included in a new submission to Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary James Brokenshire.

The submission sets out what authorities called a “compelling” case for a One Yorkshire devolution deal and the election of a One Yorkshire Mayor in 2020.

According to the study, there is “strong evidence” Yorkshire is a coherent economic area. It further claims that business supports devolution at a regional level.

Also included are the specific areas in which Yorkshire-level devolution could make a significant impact, including exports, inward investment, higher level skills and transport.

Preservation of the Yorkshire brand and identity was highlighted in the study as an important asset in national and international markets. Of those surveyed in the region, 75% identify with Yorkshire.

It also highlighted how historic approaches to transport infrastructure at a local level could be hindering commuting between different areas of the region, limiting the full potential of strategic assets like Yorkshire’s international ports.

Cllr Carl Les, Leader of North Yorkshire County Council, said: “We want the best possible future for our communities right across North Yorkshire.

“Devolution is a way of getting the funding and decision-making powers to do that faster. Devolution is about improving the standard of living for all our communities and making important decisions closer to where their impact will be felt.”

He continued: “Areas with mayors and devolved powers appear to be moving ahead at pace – this was clear at the Conservative Party Conference I attended recently – and I’m concerned that North Yorkshire folk don’t miss out on these opportunities.”