Fresh Yorkshire devolution plan set out to end deadlock

The idea would represent an attempted compromise between the principal competing proposals known as Leeds City Region and Greater Yorkshire.

The devolution deals struck with other parts of the country - including South Yorkshire - have involved the creation of an elected mayor to sit on a ‘combined authority’ made up of local council leaders.

The latest proposal would see the creation of a York, North Yorkshire and East Yorkshire combined authority alongside the West Yorkshire Combined Authority which is already up and running. A single elected mayor would then sit on both authorities.

The idea is an attempt to address the objection to the Great Yorkshire plan - which would involve a single authority and mayor for the whole area - that it does not recognise the varying priorities of different parts of the region.

It also tries to satisfy those who argue that the Leeds City Region deal - which would involve West Yorkshire and some neighbouring North Yorkshire districts - would trigger a carving up of Yorkshire with nobody representing its collective interests.

Sheffield Council, which had previously raised objections to the South Yorkshire devolution deal agreed with George Osborne last year, is now expected to ratify it this month paving the way for a mayor for the area to be elected in 2017. Barnsley and Doncaster have already ratified the agreement.