York asks for residents views on elected mayor

George Osborne has promised to hand over powers in areas such as transport and housing to parts of the country which come together and agree to have elected mayors.

The offer has triggered a debate across Yorkshire over how it should respond with ideas including mayors covering areas centred on major cities or having a single mayor for the whole region.

York Council is now to hold a series of meetings to allow residents to ask questions and express their opinions over what direction the city takes.

Council leader Chris Steward said: “Devolution is a great opportunity for York but equally it is something we must get right economically and governance wise.

“As an administration we have committed to fully consult with residents and businesses and this is the start of that process.

“All sessions will offer the chance for people to listen to the expertise of officers as well as to raise any questions and speak to executive members.”

Mr Osborne has indicated he wants to have devolution agreements in place by the end of the Government’s spending review which finishes in November.