NORTH YORKSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

22 FEBRUARY 2023

STATEMENT OF EXECUTIVE MEMBER FOR OPEN TO BUSINESS

including Economic Development, Regulatory Services, the management of Waste Disposal and the integration of Waste Collection

Investment Zones

Following the Council’s expression of interest to establish an Investment Zone in North Yorkshire on 14 October 2022 the Government announced a halt to the implementation of investment zones while new criteria are developed which focus on a limited number of the highest potential knowledge-intensive growth clusters, including through leveraging local research strength.  The Council will continue to engage with the Government on its proposals and explore the possibilities of delivering an investment zone for North Yorkshire based on any new criteria.

UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)

The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has approved the North Yorkshire Investment Plan worth £16.9m.  The Rural England Investment Plan, which includes a further £5.4m of capital investment in North Yorkshire is still being assessed.  Further details regarding the launch of the UKSPF in North Yorkshire are included in the Leader’s statement.

Levelling Up Fund Round 2

North Yorkshire has been successful in being awarded £20m from the UK Levelling Up Fund towards improvements in Catterick Town Centre including the creation of a new community facility with managed workspace and a food and drink offer alongside extensive public realm improvements and works to include green space in the town centre.  This project is to be delivered over the coming three years.

New Economic Growth Strategy for North Yorkshire

A new North Yorkshire Economic Growth Strategy is being developed to coincide with the establishment of the new Council.  A draft strategy is being considered by officers and stakeholders with the aim of adoption by the new Council later in the year.

Howardian Hills Area of Natural Beauty (AONB) Team

DEFRA has announced an extension of the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme to the end of March 2025.  This will help to ensure the best concepts of FiPL are integrated within future environmental land management schemes within Protected Landscapes.  Officers at the Howardian Hills AONB team have submitted proposals to extend the programme in this area.

Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects:

A number of high profile national infrastructure projects in North Yorkshire continue to be considered by Government.  These are focussed on green energy and transport and include;

· Drax Bio Energy and Carbon Capture Storage (BECCS)

· Power Grid Ventures - Humber Low Carbon Pipeline Project

· Highways England – A66 Improvements

· Power Grid – Yorkshire Green Energy Project

· Helios Solar Farm

· Boom Power East Riding Solar Farm

York University Economic Research Partnership

A series of research projects related to Economic Development and Sustainable Growth have been conducted through the ongoing partnership between North Yorkshire County Council and the University of York’s Research, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange. The themes examined within the research programme include Housing, Low Carbon Infrastructure, the Visitor Economy, Technology Change, and Artificial Intelligence and Automation. Each project was designed to explore the specific challenges and opportunity areas for North Yorkshire in the post-pandemic social, economic and environmental climate. An online event was recently held on 3 February 2023, in which the researchers presented their analysis and findings to an audience of Councillors and policy officers from the County, District and Borough Councils.

WASTE SERVICES

Allerton Waste Recovery Park was recognised in the North Yorkshire County Council Awards 2022, winning the category of ‘Delivery of positive change or making a difference: BES’. The waste facility treats and recovers energy from residual waste collected across North Yorkshire and York, significantly reducing our reliance on landfill and our carbon footprint.

COUNTY COUNCILLOR DEREK J BASTIMAN