Agenda item

To receive an update and hold a discussion with Mayor David Skaith.

David Skaith (Mayor of York and North Yorkshire) provided an update on his activities, current projects, and matters of significance to the Harrogate and Knaresborough area.  Key priorities included improving rail and bus connectivity, particularly through the White Rose Agreement and a York-Harrogate-Leeds corridor study.  A £540 million investment fund has supported housing, transport, and business innovation, including £19.9 million for brownfield development and a £10 million High Street Fund.  Over 1,100 homes have been delivered, half of which are affordable.  A strategic partnership with Homes England was signed to address housing delivery barriers.  The Mayor also holds Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner powers, with new plans developed.  Support for micro-businesses and alignment of skills with industry needs were also highlighted.

In response to questions from Members, the following topics were discussed:

·         Integrated Transport and Ticketing:  The White Rose Agreement is central to developing integrated bus networks across borders.  Challenges remain, but investment has begun, including extending the £1 fare for under-19s. Cross-border inconsistencies in pricing and disabled pass access were raised and are under review.

·         Rail Infrastructure:  The York-Harrogate-Leeds corridor study will assess proposals for new infrastructure and investment, including proposals such as a station at Claro Road, and upgrades to the single track between Knaresborough and York.  The need to improve east-west connectivity across the region was identified.

·         Park and Ride and Local Congestion:  Park and Ride schemes, including potential for Harrogate and Knaresborough, were discussed.  Starbeck level crossing and general traffic congestion were raised as key local concerns which had a significant impact on the community.  The presence of York as a key hub for rail innovation was also highlighted as being able to support any potential upgrades which could reduce down time at Starbeck level crossing.

·         Crime and Community Safety: Drug-related crime, county lines, and child exploitation were discussed.  Operation Tornado and Operation Magic were cited as active responses by North Yorkshire Police.  Emphasis was placed on prevention, early intervention, and the importance of reporting to inform resource allocation where Members noted specific areas of concern.  The importance of engagement with youth initiatives and drug and alcohol awareness partnerships was highlighted.

·         Business Support and Innovation: The Business Innovation Fund, particularly its exporting grant, was highlighted.  The Mayor reported that Growth Hub has supported over 90 local businesses since April, with over 700 engaged region-wide.  Concerns about support for small businesses affected by roadworks in Harrogate were noted, and while there were no funds or powers to directly support affected businesses, the Mayor highlighted support available from the Growth Hub.

·         Skills and Education:  The Adult Skills Fund was discussed, including a £400,000 allocation to Harrogate College, with further increases expected. Alignment of skills provision with local industry needs remains a priority, as many skills were suited to employers and sectors based outside North Yorkshire.

·         Governance and Collaboration:  The Mayor highlighted how the Combined Authority works collaboratively with constituent councils, citing the work undertaken by transport teams as an example of local knowledge fusing with the advocacy of the Combined Authority for funding and investment.  Area Committees were encouraged to contribute local insight and help shape regional plans, and it was noted that this would form the first in a series of annual updates to the Area Committee.

Resolved:  That the updates be noted, and the Mayor be thanked for his attendance.