Calls for more jobs and opportunities in North Yorkshire to halt “exodus” of young people

Political leaders in North Yorkshire have been urged to capitalise on the prospect of delivering a wave of new jobs and improved education after a generation of young people has been “lost” in the county.

Young people in North Yorkshire have made an appeal for tangible benefits to be realised through a long-awaited deal with the government for more decision-making powers and millions of pounds of extra funding to benefit hundreds of thousands of residents and workers.

A proposed devolution deal offers the chance to improve education and job opportunities, boost economic growth and provide better roads and public transport, and places York and North Yorkshire at the “forefront” of the green energy sector to tackle climate change.

The effects of devolution are expected to be felt for decades to come, and means that the younger generations are expected to feel the greatest benefits from a host of potential improvements.

However, the “profound” impact of an ageing population was laid bare in the findings of the North Yorkshire Rural Commission, which revealed that a lack of younger workers has left a £1.4bn financial hole in the county’s economy.

Young people currently living in the county said that there needs to be a far greater emphasis on careers and education with the launch of a new council in the spring of next year to pave the way for the devolution deal, which includes an investment fund totalling £540m over a 30-year period.

Luke Warburton, 16, who lives in Knaresborough with his parents and his eight-year-old sister and 13-year-old brother, commented: “I want to see more opportunities, more jobs and better access to transport – if jobs do not come here, then people should have the opportunities to go elsewhere in the country to work while still living here.

“The new council has to take account of the youth voice, it has got to think about jobs, higher education and bringing everyone up in North Yorkshire. We need to make sure North Yorkshire is a hub for people to come here instead of young people leaving.”

The new North Yorkshire Council will be established on April 1 next year when the county council and seven district and borough authorities merge to create a single unitary council to provide all local public services.

The leader of North Yorkshire County Council, Cllr Carl Les, added: “We are only too aware of the challenges that young people do face to remain to live and work in North Yorkshire. These issues are not easily solved, which was clearly identified by the Rural Commission, and have been long-running and deeply ingrained problems in our communities.

“However, the advent of the new council presents us with a defining moment to move forward with a clear vision for all members of society. We value the opinions of everyone, and young people’s views will be vitally important in shaping the key priorities of the new North Yorkshire Council.”

By Matthew Neville – Correspondent, Bdaily

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