The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority has been confirmed as an Established Mayoral Strategic Authority, becoming the first rural mayoral area to receive the designation.
The status gives the Combined Authority, led by Mayor David Skaith, wider access to devolved powers, with the aim of helping to drive economic growth and improve living standards across the region. It marks the next step in the area’s devolution journey, bringing greater flexibility over funding and grants, and gives the mayor and the Combined Authority the ability to request further powers from government, with the intention of ensuring the authority can deliver its long-term vision for the region.
David Skaith, mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: “This is a major milestone and clear evidence of the progress we’ve made as a county and a Combined Authority in a short space of time. We’ve already achieved a great deal in just over two years, supporting hundreds of projects and bringing investment into our communities.”
He added: “Now, with Established Status, we will have access to greater powers and funding, allowing us to go even further and faster to address some of the structural challenges holding our county back. This will help us fully realise the benefits of devolution and ensure decisions about our county are made by our county, for our county, and in our county by those who know it best.”
Growing government confidence
The Combined Authority was formed in February 2024. The new designation reflects growing government confidence in the Combined Authority’s ability to deliver and lead transformational change for the region.
Councillor Claire Douglas, leader of City of York Council, welcomed the announcement: “I am delighted the government has today announced established strategic authority status for York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. This is an acknowledgement of how ambitious the Combined Authority, in collaboration with both local authorities, is for our patch. Working collectively, we will be able to unlock significantly more funding to drive economic growth, develop more affordable homes, and better connect the city and neighbouring places with sustainable and accessible transport.”
She pointed to the authority’s record so far: “Since being formed in 2024, the Combined Authority has attracted funding and investment in a wide range of schemes across York and North Yorkshire, including affordable homes, jobs, highways, active travel, and reducing carbon and household bills. They have also invested in our local businesses and communities, taking action to build vibrant high streets and community venues.” She said the new status meant the authority could “go further and faster,” adding: “We stand ready to work together with Mayor David Skaith and North Yorkshire Council to make a positive and lasting difference for people and businesses across York and North Yorkshire.”
Real benefits for communities
Councillor Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire Council, said: “Our work within the Combined Authority has brought real benefits to our communities and businesses in North Yorkshire. We are working together to tackle regional inequalities and bring more equal opportunities through better job opportunities and improved skills and training as well as creating more affordable housing and dealing with the threat of climate change.” He added: “Established Status is a recognition of all the hard work that has been done and will be vital in driving economic growth to improve lives and opportunities for our residents and businesses across the county.”
Eleven areas now hold Established Mayoral Strategic Authority status, including Greater Manchester, West Midlands, South Yorkshire, the North East, West Yorkshire, the East Midlands and the West of England — a status intended to let them plan with greater certainty and accelerate delivery of their mayoral programmes.
