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.
The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority is a legally recognised, single body. Their 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.
The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority was launched on 1 February 2024. This followed an inaugural meeting on 22 January 2024 where the constitution, budget and statutory officers were confirmed.
See further information about the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Mayor of York and North Yorkshire
On 2 May 2024, the first Mayor of York and North Yorkshire was elected.
The mayor does not replace the leaders of existing councils and the ceremonial role of Lord Mayor of York is also unaffected.
The mayor will lead the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and will chair the Combined Authority Board. The mayor will be joined on the Board by:
- 2 councillors from City of York Council
- 2 councillors from North Yorkshire Council
- the Chair of the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority Business Committee – this is an advisory role and the Business Committee Chair is not a voting member of the combined authority
The mayor and combined authority will have certain powers and responsibilities, devolved to them by central government.
In summary, these include:
- responsibility for a Mayoral Investment Fund worth £540 million over 30 years 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