Your vote, your Mayor, your York and North Yorkshire
The Combined Authority is one month old! Over the last few weeks, we’ve been keeping a close eye on the discussion across social media. You’re asking a lot of questions. This newsletter aims to answer as many questions as possible, about the role of a mayor, the Combined Authority and the upcoming elections.
We hope this is helpful. If you have a question that isn’t answered below you can get in touch via our website.
What is a combined authority?
A combined authority is where a group of councils work together across a larger area. The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority has been created by the City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council. It is a legally recognised, single body. Our role is to use some of the money and powers, that up to now have been held by central government, and work with local leaders and communities to invest in ways that will help to make York and North Yorkshire a better place for you to live, work and do business.
What difference will it make?
The York and North Yorkshire Mayor will lead investment of £540 million to be spent over the next 30 years. The mayor will work with local leaders to bring more money into our region to invest in the things that matter to us. The role of the mayor is to be a strong voice and a champion for York and North Yorkshire businesses and communities. They’ll provide key leadership in public safety, taking on the role and functions of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.
This is an opportunity for more control over our region and how our economy can grow in the right ways to create new jobs and opportunities for local people. Right now, the Combined Authority is supporting investment already allocated: £12.7 million to deliver more than 700 new homes on brownfield sites and a further £10 million to support transition to net zero, unlocking economic opportunity, empowering business growth and creating new and better paid jobs.
What is the role of mayor?
The mayor chairs the combined authority. The role of the mayor is to work alongside local leaders to create a long-term vision, secure more investment into the region. The mayor is not a serving councillor and will not replace the leaders of existing councils. Once elected, the York and North Yorkshire Mayor will serve a 4-year term, at which point they can choose to stand for re-election.
What are the powers and responsibilities of the York and North Yorkshire Mayor?
The Mayor and Combined Authority will have certain powers and responsibilities, devolved to them by central government including:
responsibility for 30-year Mayoral Investment Fund and the powers to borrow against funds
full devolution of the Adult Education Budget
powers to improve the supply and quality of housing and secure the development of land or infrastructure
powers and funds to improve transport through a consolidated, devolved, multi-year transport settlement
responsibilities for community safety and the powers to appoint a deputy mayor to carry out many of the duties currently held by the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner
What budget will the Mayor have?
A Mayoral Investment Fund is worth £540 million over 30 years. From launch to March 2025, the new Combined Authority will be in receipt of more than £56 million of funds to invest for the benefit of communities across the region. An adult education budget will also be devolved to York and North Yorkshire. The Combined Authority will continue to deliver business services such as the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub, which has supported over 800 businesses already this year.
Where will the Mayor's funding come from?
Funding will be devolved from central government to the region. In addition, from May 2024, the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner’s functions will join the combined authority, which includes funding from the existing precept within council tax.
How many staff are there at the Combined Authority?
Initially, the Combined Authority will have around 55 staff and will employ a number of supporting services. This includes staff integrating from the York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership. Roles will include the delivery of over £56 million of transformational programmes, attracting additional investment and supporting businesses. The Mayor will have their final allowances, including staffing costs, determined by the Combined Authority with advice from an independent panel. Following the mayoral elections, functions currently held by the Office of Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner will also transfer into the Combined Authority.
How does the introduction of the Combined Authority affect local councils?
City of York and North Yorkshire councils will continue as they are, working at a local level to deliver vital services for residents. The Combined Authority will deliver at a sub-regional scale, working in partnership with the two unitary authorities to deliver the devolved investment.
When does the election for a mayor take place?
The election takes place on Thursday 2 May. Polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm. Register to vote by 16 April – www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.
If you’re voting at a polling station you need to show photo ID such as a driving licence, full or provisional, UK passport or older person’s bus pass or blue badge. Expired ID is ok if you’re still recognisable from the photo. If you don’t have these, you can apply for a free voter authority certificate by 24 April.
Where can I find out more about the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority?
Visit our website: yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk. This site also has details about Combined Authority public meetings, links to sign-up for newsletters, and governance information. You can also follow the Combined Authority on LinkedIn, X and Facebook.
If you want to help spread the word about the elections to residents and businesses, please email the enquiries@yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk mailbox for our partner communications information.
