Yorkshire’s Local Growth Plan priorities revealed

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has set out her vision for the county’s combined authorities, assigning digital innovation to York and North Yorkshire, increasing inner-city housing density to South Yorkshire, and skills to West Yorkshire.

Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority is in the process of electing a Mayor, and so has not yet been included.

When Labour came to power last year, Mayors were instructed to create Local Growth Plans that prioritise their ambitions for their region and economy.

The Deputy Prime Minister has now agreed on the shared priorities for each region in letters to Mayors across the country.

The first phase of the statutory Local Growth Plans have been agreed, with the aim being to allow more devolved power and encourage economic growth across England.

Mayors will now begin to finalise their own Local Growth Plans for publication later this year.  

Backed by new powers and simplified, longer-term funding set out in the Devolution White Paper, shared priorities now agreed with the government in Yorkshire include:

York and North Yorkshire

Boosting digital connectivity and skills in York and North Yorkshire has been highlighted as a priority for the area.

Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith said: “I want to see all communities across York and North Yorkshire thrive and ensure growth is felt across the whole of our region…

“This work isn’t just about boosting our local economy – it’s about contributing to big national priorities too, like food, energy, and national security…

“We need more high-quality, sustainable homes and commercial spaces to attract investment and make housing more affordable.

“We’re supporting innovation, helping local businesses make the most of our region’s academic and scientific strengths, creating better jobs and opportunities for everyone. And we’re improving digital connectivity and skills, especially in rural communities, so no area is left behind.” 

South Yorkshire 

South Yorkshire has been tasked with increasing business and housing density in key urban centres.

Meanwhile, Mayor of South Yorkshire Oliver Coppard said: “In South Yorkshire we have huge ambitions, to build on our strengths in advanced manufacturing, sustainable aviation, health tech, and a growing cultural sector.  

“But it’s only by working with government through our local growth plan that we’ll be able to unlock those opportunities, so everyone across our communities has the chance to stay near and go far.” 

West Yorkshire

The main priority for WYCA is said to be transforming the skills base in the area and reducing economic inactivity, helping residents get back into work.

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin said: “As the first region to unveil its local growth plan, we are building a region of learning and opportunity, with ambitious plans for a fully integrated bus and tram network. 

“So, it’s great to see the deputy prime minister back our priorities on better transport, skills and housing to get people where they’re going, give them the skills they need to succeed and a safe roof above their head.” 

The Local Growth Plans are central to how the government believes it will implement its plan for change, and enables a strategic approach to regional growth over the long-term.

Rayner said:  “These shared priorities now signed and sealed will ensure a sharp strategic focus for bringing Local Growth Plans to life, helping communities truly feel the benefits of devolved power and putting money in the pockets of working people across the country as part of our Plan for Change.”  

Industry reaction 

Tom Gilman, managing director, McLaren Regeneration, said: “We welcome the Local Growth Plans as well as the delivery momentum, from both national and regional government. This is why we’ve been working in close partnership with the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, universities, the business community and other stakeholders, to create and bring forward York Central, as the lynchpin for their regional growth ambitions, drawing global investment into our region.”