YNYCA gains Established Status
York and North Yorkshire has become the first rural mayoral area to achieve the designation, paving the way for greater control over funding and economic development priorities.
It has been awarded to the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, led by Mayor David Skaith, and will provide increased access to devolved powers as the region continues its devolution journey.
The status gives the Combined Authority greater flexibility over funding and grants, while enabling it to request further powers from government to support its long-term plans for economic growth and improved living standards.
The authority said the new status will help deliver greater regional opportunities for residents and businesses by strengthening its ability to invest in local priorities.
York and North Yorkshire was formed as a mayoral combined authority in 2024, bringing together the region’s local authorities to work jointly on areas including transport, skills, housing and economic development.
The latest announcement is expected to support the authority’s ambition to attract investment and deliver growth across the region.
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire said: “This is a major milestone and clear evidence of the progress we’ve made as a county and a Combined Authority in a short space of time.
“We’ve already achieved a great deal in just over two years, supporting hundreds of projects and bringing investment into our communities.
“Now, with Established Status, we will have access to greater powers and funding, allowing us to go even further and faster to address some of the structural challenges holding our county back.
“This will help us fully realise the benefits of devolution and ensure decisions about our county are made by our county, for our county, and in our county by those who know it best.”
Cllr Claire Douglas, leader of City of York Council said: “This is an acknowledgement of how ambitious the Combined Authority, in collaboration with both local authorities, is for our patch.
“Working collectively, we will be able to unlock significantly more funding to drive economic growth, develop more affordable homes, and better connect the city and neighbouring places with sustainable and accessible transport.
“Since being formed in 2024, the Combined Authority has attracted funding and investment in a wide range of schemes across York and North Yorkshire, including affordable homes, jobs, highways, active travel, and reducing carbon and household bills. They have also invested in our local businesses and communities, taking action to build vibrant high streets and community venues.
“Today’s announcement brings more important powers and funding directly to our area. The Combined Authority will be able to go further and faster and we stand ready to work together with Mayor David Skaith and North Yorkshire Council to make a positive and lasting difference for people and businesses across York and North Yorkshire.”
North Yorkshire Council’s leader, cllr Carl Les, said: “Our work within the Combined Authority has brought real benefits to our communities and businesses in North Yorkshire.
“We are working together to tackle regional inequalities and bring more equal opportunities through better job opportunities and improved skills and training as well as creating more affordable housing and dealing with the threat of climate change.
“Established Status is a recognition of all the hard work that has been done and will be vital in driving economic growth to improve lives and opportunities for our residents and businesses across the county.”
