Time to divide North Yorkshire in two with east-west split – Julian Sturdy

The creation of a combined authority, headed by an elected mayor, would mean an additional layer of local government for North Yorkshire districts, which already have two. That is why it is vital that any devolution deal is accompanied by wider reorganisation of our councils.

One option is to have a single unitary authority for York and North Yorkshire to mirror the combined authority. The problem however is that this would create two tiers to administer the same area and will inevitably lead to conflict and confusion as to the respective roles of the mayor and the council.

Another option is to keep York’s existing unitary authority and create a second unitary authority from the seven districts of North Yorkshire. This would be the least disruptive option and allow North Yorkshire County Council to take on the responsibilities of the districts whilst continuing with its strong track record of providing local services.

The drawback is North Yorkshire’s sheer size is not ideal for local decision-making. It would leave York as the junior partner and would be a missed opportunity for the city to remove the arbitrary boundary with the rest of the ceremonial county.

After much thought, I have decided to give my backing for a third proposal which is gaining traction. The East/West proposal would create two unitary authorities of similar population size and comparable economic heft. York would join with Selby, Ryedale and Scarborough to form the eastern unitary authority, with Craven, Harrogate, Richmondshire and Hambleton forming the western authority.

It will get the balance right between creating authorities that have the scale and capacity to invest in improved services, whilst being small enough to remain accountable to local people. Two equal partners will also complement the mayoral combined authority, creating a balanced political structure and spreading investment evenly around the county.

For York, the reorganisation presents an opportunity to strengthen existing links with the surrounding area and to push for mutually beneficial investment in and around the vital A64 transport artery. Our thriving tourism industry in the city centre will complement rural and coastal tourism in the North York Moors and Scarborough, Bridlington and Whitby.

Our adult social care and children’s services, already under pressure, will benefit from the additional scale and capacity that a unitary authority will bring. Annual efficiencies from the East/West model are expected to be £33-56m in total, not insignificant at a time when City of York Council are trying to find £4m in budget savings.

Over and above the economic and administrative benefits, it is about finding a system of local government that works for York and North Yorkshire in the long-term. What we can do without is being back in a position where we are discussing local government reorganisation in 20 years time.

The combined authority under a powerful elected mayor will ensure that our voice is heard on the regional and national level, whilst two unitary authorities will preserve local accountability on the issues that are closest to home, from new housing growth in our towns and villages to the support offered to our children at school.

Regardless of which model is finally adopted, we must take the opportunity to devolve power within North Yorkshire. The loss of the district councils will mean that several towns across the county will lose their role as administrative centres. As a result it is only right that York and towns such as Harrogate and Scarborough regain their city and town councils, with independent income streams and a real say over local planning and the provision of local facilities.

The last few years have been defined by uncertainty around our health, our economy and our politics. Despite all of this, I am optimistic about the future of our region. We have a Government that remains committed to ‘levelling up’ around the country. This is not just about railways and roads; it is about shifting the country’s centre of power and productivity. With a devolution deal of its own, York and North Yorkshire will finally be able to get in on the action.

Julian Sturdy is Conservative MP for York Outer.

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Thank you

James Mitchinson