Time to decide how to bridge this A1M dividing line – The Yorkshire Post says

NORTH Yorkshire is, understandably, proud of its status as England’s largest county – for now.
How can north Yorkshire's devolution deal bridge the A1M dividing line?How can north Yorkshire's devolution deal bridge the A1M dividing line?
How can north Yorkshire's devolution deal bridge the A1M dividing line?

The conundrum is whether it is possible for one super-council, under the auspices of a mayor, to be responsible for services in an area spanning 3,341 square miles.

An issue which takes on added urgency after the Government signalled its desire to strike a devolution deal with the county following the landmark agreement with South Yorkshire, now enshrined in law, and proposed plans for West Yorkshire, it is one which demands a pragmatic and practical response.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In one sense, it makes sense to streamline the existing ‘two tier’ system of local government to avoid duplication of resource and assuage those taxpayers who put a premium on ‘value for money’.

How should North Yorkshire be governed under a devolution deal?How should North Yorkshire be governed under a devolution deal?
How should North Yorkshire be governed under a devolution deal?

Yet, while it can be argued that large parts of North Yorkshire to the east of the A1M dividing line gravitate towards York as the county’s primary centre of economic growth, the same is not true of those Dales communities closer to the borders with Lancashire and Cumbria.

As such, this newspaper commends the efforts by those, like Ryedale District Council leader Keane Duncan, to explore the pros and cons of every possible eventuality – it is preferable, in this instance, to take the necessary time, and reach the right conclusion, rather than act in haste and make the wrong decision which, in turn, compromises the county’s long-term future.

It will also be preferable if local leaders here reach a consensus amongst themselves. It’s their duty if they’re to avoid Ministers imposing a settlement – and Whitehall does not always know best, especially when it comes to rural areas. Yet this cannot begin to happen until North Yorkshire’s leaders decide – collectively – their future priorities, the best way of delivering services, their relationship with the two National Park authorities over planning jurisdiction and how best to enhance the area’s economy. That’s the number one task.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Editor’s note: first and foremost - and rarely have I written down these words with more sincerity - I hope this finds you well.

Should York be at the centre of North Yorkshire's devolution deal?Should York be at the centre of North Yorkshire's devolution deal?
Should York be at the centre of North Yorkshire's devolution deal?

Almost certainly you are here because you value the quality and the integrity of the journalism produced by The Yorkshire Post’s journalists - almost all of which live alongside you in Yorkshire, spending the wages they earn with Yorkshire businesses - who last year took this title to the industry watchdog’s Most Trusted Newspaper in Britain accolade.

And that is why I must make an urgent request of you: as advertising revenue declines, your support becomes evermore crucial to the maintenance of the journalistic standards expected of The Yorkshire Post. If you can, safely, please buy a paper or take up a subscription. We want to continue to make you proud of Yorkshire’s National Newspaper but we are going to need your help.

Postal subscription copies can be ordered by calling 0330 4030066 or by emailing [email protected]. Vouchers, to be exchanged at retail sales outlets - our newsagents need you, too - can be subscribed to by contacting subscriptions on 0330 1235950 or by visiting www.localsubsplus.co.uk where you should select The Yorkshire Post from the list of titles available.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

If you want to help right now, download our tablet app from the App / Play Stores. Every contribution you make helps to provide this county with the best regional journalism in the country.

Sincerely. Thank you.

James Mitchinson

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.