Agenda item

An update on the work of the Mayoral Combined Authority and progress with local issues.

One hour has been allocated for this item.

Annual Update by the Mayor of York & North Yorkshire

David Skaith, Mayor of York & North Yorkshire, and James Farrar, Chief Executive of the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (CA), attended the meeting to update Members on the CA's work since the mayoral election in May 2024.

The Mayor outlined his vision to build healthy and resilient communities that connect people to opportunities, emphasising the importance of warm, affordable homes and access to the outdoors.

Mr. Farrar provided background on the CA, highlighting:

• This is the first combined authority to include the office of Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner (OPFCC) from its inception, and one of only two combined authorities to do so.
• The appointment of Jo Coles as Deputy Mayor responsible for the OPFCC.
• The CA's two main responsibilities: the PFCC and economic growth.
• Funding details:

·       The Mayoral Investment Fund (MIF) of £18 million per year for 30 years.

·       £25 million for investment in skills.

·       £80 million from the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF).

·       Collaboration with the government to secure new investments and partnerships to deliver on those investments.

• Key priorities: transport, business, net zero, skills, and housing.

He also discussed the government's plan to expand devolution across the north of England and the Mayor's ambition for the Y&NY CA to be a pioneering rural combined authority.

The Mayor updated the Committee on recent projects, including:

• £5 million allocated to the City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council for their respective projects.
• £1.5 million of Great Places Funding to develop plans for every town in North Yorkshire and the City of York, followed by £1 million to support those projects.
• An additional £4.5 million from the MIF to supplement the £12 million received for brownfield housing development, aiming to deliver over 1,000 homes, more than half of which will be truly affordable.
• Ongoing discussions with the government to gain more flexibility in funding for brownfield housing, which traditionally aligns with core city regions, not rural areas like York and North Yorkshire.
• The devolution deal included £7 million for net zero projects, and the CA is progressing towards its goal of being net zero by 2034 and carbon negative by 2040.
• An additional £600,000 on top of the SPF to support 20 more community building projects in North Yorkshire.

Additional Funding Opportunities Secured Through Devolution:

• £2 million for an energy infrastructure pilot.
• £1 million for local investment in natural capital, delivered by NYC.
• £10 million in skills trailblazer funding for organisations supporting people out of work due to long-term sickness.
• £3 million for an annual "connect to work" programme.
• £10 million for vibrant and sustainable high streets, with over 40 initial project applications received.
• £10 million for the Carbon Negative Challenge Fund, working with the private sector on carbon-negative business proposals.
• £2.5 million from the Skills Innovation Fund to support schools, colleges, and universities in teaching skills needed by regional businesses.
• £5 million from the Business Innovation Fund to support businesses employing one or more people.

National Representation by the Mayor:

• Quarterly meetings with the Prime Minister as a member of the Council of Nations and Regions.
• Quarterly meetings with the Deputy Prime Minister as a member of the Mayoral Council for England, fostering direct relationships with the Treasury and the Department for Business, Housing, Communities, and Local Government.
• Member of the UK Mayors Group, recently signing the White Rose Pact with South and West Yorkshire to enhance opportunities across the wider Yorkshire region, particularly focusing on rail connectivity.

Current Projects:

• Commissioned a strategic review of transport across the region.
• Launched a strategic place partnership with Homes England.
• Established a Business Board with representatives from various sectors and geographical areas.
• Finalizing an innovation plan with Innovate UK, linked to the Innovation Fund.
• Commissioning a review of the future of farming, identifying agriculture, food, and farmers as key growth priorities.
• Building a case for an Artificial Intelligence Growth Zone in the region.
• Submitted a comprehensive spending review to maximise future funding, aligned with growth plans, with the 10-year Growth Plan to be finalised in the spring.
• Launching the Police and Crime Plan and the Fire and Rescue Plan in the next two weeks.
• Prioritising neighbourhood policing, tackling violence against women and girls, a serious violence strategy and increasing early intervention and prevention work.
• Doubling the budget for early intervention and prevention work, building public confidence in the Police Force.
• Ensuring effective response, targeted prevention and better preparation for major incidents in the Fire Service, adapting to increased flooding, wildfires, and the use of electric vehicles.
• Advocating for a trailblazing combined authority in a rural context, supporting nature, housing, skills, healthcare, and economic growth.
• Secured a £97 million grant for transport and roads, with a need for a longer-term settlement.
• Collaborating with local authority partners and Homes England to develop a strategic place plan for key housing areas, addressing housing waiting lists.
• Seeking a DEFRA hub at the York Central site with innovation accelerator status.
• Pursuing further devolution of adult skills, particularly for those aged 16 and above.
• Expanding the farm sustainability programme and developing an inclusive energy system to support the region's net zero and retrofitting goals.

Questions Submitted to the Mayor’s Office in Advance of the Meeting

1.       How might your focus on regeneration in urban areas encourage economic growth in rural areas?

As the first mayor of a predominantly rural region, I emphasize that economic growth and opportunities must extend beyond core cities to include rural and coastal communities. Our growth plan leverages our region's strengths in the food system, farming, agricultural sectors, and bioengineering. We actively engage with the government to attract investment in these areas. Addressing challenges such as skills alignment, affordable housing, and transport connectivity is crucial to retaining our young people.

2.       The need for improving/developing strategic and sustainable transport links. For example, a 16k homes new settlement in the Huby & Tollerton Division is planned just off the A19 and the Mayor’s plans for a Housing/industrial development on the former RAF base at Linton on Ouse. If we are going to have these large-scale developments, then how is the issue of improving the infrastructure and transport network to access them going to be addressed? The access to Linton on Ouse from the A59 is via a single lane toll bridge with a weight restriction.

We are establishing a strategic place partnership with Homes England and the City of York and North Yorkshire Councils to address infrastructure challenges. Developers are expected to engage with planners to mitigate the impact of large housing developments, using Section 106 funds. Early involvement in local planning ensures strategic housing development is well-connected to our transport system, preventing exacerbation of existing issues.

3.       Update on the delivery of Net Zero, sustainable development, and examining the implementation of sustainable development goals, which both York and North Yorkshire have signed up to.

We are progressing with our local net zero accelerator programme, supporting three pilot places to replicate the successful City League model from Bristol. The natural capital programme, funded by DEFRA, is attracting investment to improve natural capital in four pilot areas. We are refreshing our route map to carbon negative, aiming for net zero by 2034, with a focus on transport. This live document is undergoing stakeholder consultation, followed by public consultation, and will be launched alongside our retrofit strategy in October.

4.       Can York take more of the housing allocation?

This is primarily a discussion with the City of York Council. However, significant sites across North Yorkshire, such as the 1,300 housing allocation in Ripon, have been fast-tracked. We advocate for flexibility in brownfield housing funds to address the housing needs of smaller areas. With 10,000 people on the housing waiting list, providing safe and warm housing is a top priority.

5.       As the Police benefit from the service, will the Police contribute to the funding of CCTV in the Scarborough and Ryedale areas?

North Yorkshire Council is currently responsible for CCTV, but there is a need for shared responsibility. Deputy Mayor Jo Coles is commissioning a review to align CCTV across the region and integrate it into the control room, addressing current inadequacies.

6.       Will the mayor lobby central government on ensuring sustainable local government funding?

Yes, we are advocating for long-term sustainable funding for local authorities. The competitive bidding process for funds has been challenging, and stable funding is essential for clear direction and achieving our goals.

Additional questions that Members raised during the meeting are included as appendix 1.