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Greater Yorkshire Devolution Proposal

October 2015

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GREATER YORKSHIRE DEVOLUTION PROPOSAL   

 

 

 

As  promoters  of  the  ‘greater  Yorkshire’  devolution  ‘statement  of  intent’, we  have  now  had  the 

opportunity  to  compare  in detail  the  various Yorkshire proposals and  to  take on board  the  initial 

feedback from Government to West Yorkshire and York/North Yorkshire/East Riding. 

This  has  reinforced  our  conviction  that  a  devolution  deal  that  recognises  and  builds  on  the 

coherence and formidable ‘clout’ of the entire West, North and East Yorkshire economy will deliver 

maximum  benefit  for  both  ‘UK  plc’  and  our  local  communities.    The  benefits  to  be  gained  by 

decentralising national policies, programmes,  funding and assets which  support economic growth 

and  tackle economic exclusion are  recognised and shared by us all,  from  the  largest metropolitan 

councils and the smallest shire districts, irrespective of political ‘colour’.    

We are ready to provide the necessary leadership to embark on a radically different way of working 

with a mayor to drive forward priorities that transcend local interests. 

In terms of delivering public services more efficiently and effectively, we have mapped out a phased 

approach which recognises that a Greater Yorkshire combined authority must stick to the ‘big stuff’ 

and  influencing major policy approaches,  leaving  individual  local authorities to create  local delivery 

collaborations between themselves and public sector partners that work best in that locality.   

Our research also reinforces the strong economic as well as cultural bonds between South Yorkshire 

and the rest of the County and the door remains open for a stronger still pan‐Yorkshire alliance. 

Equally, the value of sustaining a coherent approach to developing the Humber Estuary across both 

North and South Banks  is a major  factor  in establishing a workable devolution package.   With  the 

reduction  in Humber Bridge tolls and the Hull and Humber City Deal, we are seeing the benefits of 

massive  private  sector  investment  to  deliver  our  global  gateway  and  energy  estuary  ambitions.  

Sustaining a pan‐Humber partnership in conjunction with a Greater Lincolnshire Combined Authority 

will be built into the governance arrangements from the outset.   

Likewise,  the  north  east  of  Yorkshire  has  strong  links  with  Teesside,  which  will  be  further 

strengthened as the Whitby potash mine comes on‐stream and the upgrade of the A1 is completed 

and  these will be  reflected  in  joint working  arrangements with  the proposed  Teesside Combined 

Authority. 

 

 

 

 

1.0  INTRODUCTION 

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Yorkshire’s  great  cities,  major  towns,  rural  and  coastal  areas,  have  and  always  have  had 

complementary and  interrelated  roles.   Economically,  the West and South Yorkshire conurbations 

are transformed from their traditional heavy manufacturing and coal mining past and their central 

location has attracted private sector investment, world‐beating research capability and longstanding 

collaborations  across  local  authority  boundaries,  supported  through  South  Yorkshire’s  former 

Objective 1 status.   

This  in  turn  has  created  pressure  on  the  existing  infrastructure,  requiring  huge  investment  in 

transportation  systems,  housing market  polarisation,  skills  shortages  in  some  sectors  and  other 

externalities  that need  to be managed  if  they  are not  to  threaten  the quality of  life offer of our 

primary urban areas.  In contrast, the less densely developed and populated parts of Yorkshire with 

the free‐standing cities of Hull and York ‐ distinctive maritime city and gateway to northern Europe, 

and  historic, world‐renowned  destination  respectively  –  and  strategic  north/south  and  east/west 

transport  corridors, offer  cheaper, high quality development  sites, direct  access  to European  and 

world markets and a wider labour market. 

Building on the entrepreneurial capacity of our rural and coastal areas through  improved transport 

links and access to broadband and mobile phone connectivity will create new growth opportunities, 

including in tourism, without damaging the landscape and environmental diversity that characterises 

our National Parks, long distance trails and precious coast and estuary habitats.   

Together  these  offer  potential  for  greater  combined  economic  growth  rather  than  competition, 

building  on  inherent  strengths  of  industries  and  skills  bases,  creating  a  very  strong  offer  to 

international markets. 

Greater Manchester Combined Authority  can point  to  agglomeration  effects  and  the  value  to be 

gained by  intensifying city centre employment through transport systems.   We believe that as well 

as thriving city centres, our future success depends increased capacity and journey times to existing 

successful  ‘out of centre’ employment hubs based on reclaimed coalfield and other strategic sites, 

our ports and the potential to further develop intermodal terminals to serve HS3. 

We believe that a devolution deal that is predicated on balanced and strategic development (in the 

spirit, it has to be said of the former Yorkshire and Humber Regional Spatial Strategy) will ultimately 

prove  to  be more  cost‐effective,  both  in  terms  of  the  cost  of  new  infrastructure,  protecting  the 

environment  and  in  reducing  the  benefits  burden  by  reducing  inequalities  in  life  chances  and 

opportunities.   Without  such  an  approach,  the  impact  of  slower  growth  in  these  areas will  be  a 

further  polarisation  of  demographics with more  rapidly  ageing  rural  and  coastal  populations  and 

labour markets being constrained by higher travel to work costs and unaffordable housing.   

A little over a year ago, Stuart Howie,  a director in PwC’s government and public sector practice in 

Leeds,  articulated  very  clearly  the  case  for  regional  growth  and  the  dangers  of  a  “them  or  us” 

debate: 

2.0  THE EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT A GREATER YORKSHIRE APPROACH

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‘The regions need a strong London and London benefits from stronger regional economies. The often 

missed point in this debate is that growth is not a finite commodity; it’s not a zero sum game. If we 

can make our regions more competitive places for investors, we can share more growth.’ 

This  same  argument,  that  this  is  not  a  zero‐sum  game,  applies  within  the  region.    The  key  to 

spreading prosperity  lies  in the competitiveness of all our regional cities and their ability to attract 

the private sector investment needed to drive growth.  That ability has many facets such as natural 

resources, connectivity and quality of life.  

These arguments are  further  supported by  the OECD  in  ‘Promoting Growth  in all Regions’  (2012), 

which  through extensive  research concluded  that  ‘an exclusive  focus on  the big hubs neglects  the 

potential  impact  of  policies  that  helped  the  great  mass  of  regions  to  improve  their  growth 

performance’ and  that  ‘predominantly  rural  regions have, on average, enjoyed  faster growth  than 

intermediate or predominantly urban regions.  Concentration (of population or economic activity) is 

neither necessary nor sufficient for success’. 

The OECD  report makes  the point unequivocally  that  a  growth  trajectory depends on harnessing 

local resources and  insights, working  in tandem with national policies.   In contrast to the scope for 

growth, public  resources  for  investment are  finite.   Our devolution deal must deliver both growth 

and savings  to  the public purse  through reduced benefits payments and more efficient delivery of 

public services.   Vision and leadership backed by compelling evidence and delivery capability which 

cuts across old sub‐regional structures will enable  true devolution.   This particularly applies to the 

common  asks  around  gaining  control  of  the  public  sector  estate  and  the  ability  to  work  in 

partnership with national agencies such as the HCA and Jobcentre Plus. 

 

 

 

Growth Sectors 

The Regional  Innovation Monitor Plus  analysis  for 2014 observes  that  the  Yorkshire  and Humber 

region has a diverse economic structure.   This  is based on strong supply chain  linkages across our 

area.  Sectors with scope for further regional economic integration and growth include: 

• Healthcare:   The area  is home to sector  leaders such as Johnson & Johnson  in Bradford, Smith & 

Nephew, and Reckitt Benckiser who are investing £100million into their Worldwide Healthcare R&D 

facility in Hull.  Research and training capability includes the Hull & York Medical School.  

• Renewable energy: As well as the estuary and coast, the whole of the area stands to benefit from 

supply chain opportunities  in off‐shore wind and  the  further development of  the  ‘energy estuary’ 

into an energy corridor with centres of expertise in low carbon technologies. 

• Agri‐Food: The food growing, manufacture and distribution sector extends across the whole of the 

area  and  the  clustering  impact  of  high  level  research  and  development  through  the  Biovale 

collaboration which already spans all three existing LEP areas. 

3.0  KEY OPPORTUNITIES FOR GREATER YORKSHIRE

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• Logistics: Logistics operations also feature across the whole area, supported by high level training 

provision.   The  strength  in  this  sector  supports wider growth and export opportunities, with daily 

sailings from Hull to both Rotterdam and Zeebrugge allowing access to 320 million consumers within 

24 hours. 

•  Tourism:  The  Yorkshire  coast,  York’s world  renowned  heritage  and  the  National  Parks  attract 

millions  of  visitors  each  year.    Joined  up  working  to  secure  the  Tour  de  France  Grand  Depart 

illustrates the power of single‐minded, focused delivery.   Parts of the sector do, however, need to 

modernize and we are working  together  to secure  the maximum  legacy  from Hull: City of Culture 

2017, projected to deliver £184m of visitor spend by 2020. 

Connectivity and trade 

Our  ambitions  can  extend  beyond  the  Transport  for  the North  agenda  to  encompass  the North 

European Trade Axis.  The North European Trade Axis is simple in its ambition: 

“To develop an economically thriving and environmentally friendly trade corridor linking Ireland to 

Northern and Eastern Europe via the UK” 

The E20 corridor provides the opportunity to address the UK’s unnatural and misaligned trade flows, 

removing  congestion  from  the  south  east,  reducing  carbon  emissions  and  improving  economic 

productivity.  Working with private sector partners such as Associated British Ports, we can address 

the environmental impact of the current north/south traffic flows which leads to: 

• 200 million wasted road/rail miles 

• 200,000 additional truck journeys 

• 20 million tonnes of ‘unnecessary’ CO2 emissions. 

This potential also  includes  the ability  to  take advantage of  the wide network of navigable  inland 

waterways/canals  stretching  deep  into  Yorkshire  and  across  to  Liverpool,  reducing  the  cost  and 

environmental impact of bulky, low value cargoes. 

Constraints and Bottlenecks 

Innovation, Research and development 

Although  there are  strong  collaboration and  specialisms across  the area’s 11 universities and  the 

Yorkshire  Innovation  Fund  has  scored  a  number  of  successful  spin‐out  innovations,  the  Regional 

Investment Monitor Plus 2014  identifies  that Yorkshire and Humber’s  four LEPs have resulted  in a 

relatively  fragmented  innovation governance  system which  is  lagging behind  in accessing national 

funding for  innovation.   Large business  innovation activity  is encouraging, but  levels amongst SMEs 

are well below the national average.  We have the opportunity to address this by linking HE, FE and 

Industry‐led centres such as FERA Science Ltd and Saltend Chemicals Park to enable local businesses 

to realize new products and services, attract FDI to the region and drive international collaborations 

and export. 

Transport infrastructure 

The arguments about the need for reduced journey times and the costs of congestion to the Leeds 

City Region are well rehearsed.   Congestion on the York outer ring road and Castle Street  through 

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Hull  is also a major  constraint  to growth as are  the  limitations of east‐west  connections  in North 

Yorkshire and  to  the coastal ports.   All parts of our area stand  to benefit  from HS2 an HS3, but a 

concerted and planned approach is needed to secure full Transpennine electrification, for example.   

Housing market 

The  housing  market  exhibits  major  imbalances  in  supply  and  demand,  including  a  shortage  of 

affordable  housing,  especially  in  North  Yorkshire,  and  a  lack  of  the  provision  of  supporting 

infrastructure.     At  the  same  time,  the  legacy of older and poorer quality properties  in our main 

urban areas and some rural locations and concentrations of social housing polarize communities and 

create barriers  to work.   Developers are  increasingly  focused on sites  that provide good  transport 

links to a variety of employment opportunities and we need to ensure that these complement the 

existing offer and do not raise the spectre of wide‐spread low demand areas.  

Skills 

Evidence from the OECD study referenced above is that it is the size of the pool of unskilled labour 

that  is  a  bigger  determinant  of  growth  potential  than  the  proportion  of  higher  skilled workers.  

Specifically, Yorkshire’s diverse economy does not benefit from strong levels of employment in high 

value growth clusters and knowledge economy sectors.  Leeds City Region also identify that there is 

a  ‘hollow  middle’  where  declining  numbers  of  intermediate  jobs  no  longer  offer  enough 

opportunities for people to progress from entry level jobs to higher level skills.  This also applies to 

rural areas where access to FE and HE provision  is constrained.   Colleges operate across LEP areas 

with Harrogate being part of the Hull College Group, for example.     

Household Deprivation 

Poor health, poor housing, debt and poverty continue to blight neighbourhoods in our largest towns 

and cities and limited access to essential services impact on rural quality of life.  Whilst these issues 

require local solutions, we can revolutionise approaches to food poverty, for example through local 

powers and fiscal measures to change habits. 

 

 

 

With resources, policies and decision‐making aligned across an area which  is home  to 3.67 million 

people  and  149,000 businesses, we  can deliver  a devolution dividend which has  the potential  to 

exceed the current propositions.  The package would be fiscally neutral by reducing the welfare bill 

and other demands on public services: 

Delivery of  Enterprise  Zones  and business parks,  generating higher  tax  yields  and  further 

development of key sectors: sustainable energy, advanced manufacturing and engineering, 

traditional service industries, new digital industries, biotechnology and agritech. 

80,000 jobs, 62,000 jobs WYCA, plus 20,000 jobs from transport fund 

4.0  WHAT WE CAN DELIVER TOGETHER

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Higher productivity ‐£750m GVA uplift from the York Central development alone 

100% broadband coverage 

48,000 homes above current building rates, significantly accelerating housing delivery 

Investment  in  infrastructure  to  provide  faster  connectivity  between  cities  and  global 

gateway ports and airports 

Reduced  journey times for commuters and  increased access to work.   A step‐change  in rail 

capacity 

£675m benefits reduction 

Town and city centre businesses benefitting from improved urban realm 

Dealing collectively with flood alleviation will see 200,000 properties with reduced flood risk 

and 6.7bn damages avoided 

Strategic consideration of major  infrastructures such as motorways, airports and ports and 

broadband and mobile communications 

Skills and aspirations 

Improved outcomes for young people 

Visitor offer/international Yorkshire brand 

Transforming public service delivery, resulting  in  [     ] savings through  joint working and an 

emphasis on improving health and other preventative work.  

 

 

 

To deliver  this  scale of  change, we need  a  truly devolved  approach  from  government.   Although 

economic performance varies within Yorkshire, as a whole,  the area has underperformed and  lost 

ground  to  the Midlands and South.    It  therefore  comes as no  surprise  that each of  the Yorkshire 

deals on  the  table accords similar priority to a suite of asks that can harness the growth potential 

and  address  the  barriers  and  bottlenecks  described  above.    Their  differences  are  more  about 

delivery mechanisms  and  reflect  the differing  existing  governance  structures  (Combined,  two‐tier 

and unitary authorities) and  financial positions.    If  local  resources  can be aligned at a  sufficiently 

large  scale,  there  is  a  greater  prospect  of  generating  local  funding  streams  and  reducing  overall 

public sector expenditure. 

We have elaborated on the Devolution Asks developed by Leeds City Region to identify the extent of 

commonality  and  where  there  are  recognized  differences  of  approach  needed  to  reflect  local 

5.0  A COMBINED SET OF ASKS 

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circumstances and  the extent  to which North and East Yorkshire will need  to catch up  in  terms of 

collaborative governance with West Yorkshire and the wider Leeds City Region. 

Fiscal 

Retention of 100% of the growth of business rates will incentivise development across the area.  The 

further  freedoms  to precept and  levy Supplementary Business Rates  sought by  Leeds City Region 

would be used selectively and would need to operate on  ‘areas of defined benefit’ basis to secure 

the necessary level of support.  

Transport 

Highways 

Transport  for  the North will  lead  on  the  truly  transformational  schemes,  but  highways  transport 

planning, both at the  large and more  local scale, requires the certainty that multi‐year funding will 

bring.   A devolved and consolidated  transport budget can operate across  the Combined Authority 

area.  Programming and appraisal techniques already developed can manage a mixed programme of 

major and smaller schemes which together  improve  journey times and access to markets.   Greater 

control of key trunk roads will support the North European Trade Axis.    

We want to see Transport for the North have a direct role in reviewing national Ports Policy. 

Public Transport 

We need a range of models that not only  leads to cheap and plentiful services within  in our cities 

and major towns, but connects with the wider hinterland and travel to work areas.   We must align 

objectives so that both the franchising approach in CA/ITA areas and the partnership approach more 

appropriate to rural networks will stimulate greater workforce mobility and reduce congestion.   We 

need plans  for Transpennine electrification  to be  joined  to up along  the whole  route,  in order  to 

harness the private sector commitment from Hull Trains.    

Housing, Regeneration and Planning 

Housing 

Yorkshire’s housing markets exhibit wide variations in affordability and levels of development which 

already  require  cross‐boundary  collaboration.   Where  appropriate,  and  particularly  for  Districts, 

alignment of a more flexible Housing Revenue Account will enable joint planning.  A range of tools to 

increase the supply of good quality, affordable housing have been identified which can be developed 

to  provide  greater  certainty  to  national  and  regional  developers.    The  use  of  a  land  commission 

approach and Development Agency to dispose of the public estate through a partnership with the 

Homes  and  Communities  Agency  at  a  Greater  Yorkshire  level  would  achieve  greater  market 

sensitivity and enable a balanced portfolio of urban and rural sites.   

Regeneration 

The  Housing  and  Regeneration  Investment  Fund  would  adopt  a  similar  approach  to  highways 

investment  through  a  layered  approach  that  enabled  smaller  scale  interventions with  high  local 

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impact as well as major  long‐term programmes  to radically  improve  the public realm and develop 

joint ventures to develop derelict sites.   

The  powers  to  take  ownership  and/or  powers  of  other  public/quasi‐public  operations,  including 

Trust Ports would be exercised at an appropriate level, recognising that operational control may best 

be exercised by delegating to the local authority level.         

Planning 

The benefits to be gained from overarching spatial strategies are greatest where there  is a need to 

balance  nationally  and  internationally  important  environmental  assets  against  economic  and 

housing  growth.    There  is  also  a  clear  opportunity  to  be more  efficient  in  the  preparation  and 

adoption of Local Plans and sharing of development management  functions, especially  for District 

Councils.    

The  ‘Single Conversation’ approach  to working with DEFRA Agencies  such as Natural England and 

other Agencies such as HCA developed through the Hull and Humber City Deal would be used as a 

platform to secure a Greater Yorkshire Rural Productivity Plan and to build on existing arrangements 

to share expertise in the prioritisation and delivery of flood alleviation measures.      

 Growth/Investment 

The  powers  and  flexibilities  being  sought  reflect  the  varied  business  base  and  our  experience  of 

growth  hubs  and  implementation  of  EUSIFs  across  Yorkshire’s  four  LEP  areas,  which  has 

demonstrated the need to achieve economies of scale within a Greater Yorkshire framework that is 

responsive  to  the  different  environments  and  cultures  in which  our  businesses  operate.    This  is 

possible because  the products  required by businesses  can be developed  through  a  core hub  and 

delivered locally.   

Given  the  importance of energy  to our area, powers  to establish an Energy Services Company, as 

proposed  in  the YNYER proposition would  generate  savings  for businesses  and  reduce household 

fuel poverty. 

Education, Skills and Employment 

High  level  coordination  and  commissioning  using  devolved  careers  advice  and  skills  budgets  and 

measures  to make  sure no young people were  ‘NEET’ would be delivered  through  local measures 

and collaborations.  

Public Service reform   

Some of the greatest scope for savings exists through the restructuring of wider public services, such 

as ‘blue light’ response units.  This would be a long term ambition.   

The  overarching  aim  is  the  secure  the  critical  mass  of  available  resources  to  make  a  service 

affordable, whilst  increasing opportunities  for  community budgets  and  co‐design of  services with 

users.    Health  and  social  care  integration  focussed  around  place‐based  commissioning  with  the 

organisational certainty and confidence to enable long term planning through devolved budgets will 

enable long term challenges to be addressed.  

11  

 

 

We acknowledge  that we are all at different  stages, with  the West Yorkshire Combined Authority 

being well  embedded,  clearly  focused  and  able  to have direct dialogue with  Treasury on  aspects 

where it is ready to move to the next level.  Hull and East Riding have delivered a successful Round 2 

City Deal and collaborated across the Humber to deliver the largest Enterprise Zone allocation in the 

country.  This experience will be invaluable in enabling York and North Yorkshire to adapt its already 

strong  joint  arrangements.   Alignment  across  these  existing  arrangements will  take  time  and we 

envisage a staged approach designed to enable the structures put in place within the West Yorkshire 

Combined Authority to sustain their programmes and not be held back whilst the wider structure is 

developed. 

As the commonality between the asks of the initial Yorkshire‐based devolution proposals illustrates, 

there  is a desire to align behind the West Yorkshire CA asks, with a small number of additions, but 

with flexibility over implementation to suit local circumstances.   

We  recognise  that  arrangements  for  Greater  Yorkshire  would  present  challenges  in  terms  of 

representation  and  decision‐making.   We would wish  to  explore models  of  governance  such  as 

population weighed voting to address the complexity of meshing two‐tier and unitary systems. 

There is a clear view that a two‐tier system within a Combined Authority is not appropriate and the 

North  Yorkshire  Districts  which  fall  within  the  Leeds  City  Region  would  not  wish  to  adopt  the 

Associate Membership arrangement currently being offered. 

The  Greater  Yorkshire  Combined  Authority  would  need  to  operate  through  the  principles  of 

subsidiarity,  with  matters  handled  by  the  smallest  competent  authority.      Major  powers  and 

investment decisions could sit with the overarching Combined Authority,  in the form of Mayor and 

Cabinet, with  a  series  of  specialised  policy  and  operational  committees which  could  take  on  the 

functions of public sector asset management, etc in the same way that Joint Authorities such as the 

West Yorkshire transport functions and the Humber Bridge Board do now.  

The structure of committees would reflect the division of responsibilities within two‐tier areas with 

Districts having greater representation on Housing‐related committees, for example.  

It is likely that in the initial phase, existing LEP structures would be retained to harness local private 

sector input and distinctiveness of delivery in terms of business growth hubs and skills coordination. 

Where would the Combined Authority/mayor be located? 

What would be the mechanism for Priority setting? Timescales? 

Would the Mayor/cabinet be able to impose collaborative arrangements at the individual LA level? 

‘Lord O`Neill on his visit to Leeds gave a clear steer that as there  is disputed geography, WY should 

press ahead with a WY bid and allow  the other parts of  the geography  to develop  later, with  the 

possibility of joining up in due course.’ 

YP article 23 September 

6.0  GOVERNANCE

12  

 

 

GREATER YORKSHIRE, GREATER AMBITION 

 

 “The Northern Powerhouse will be a success if the North has a fast growing economy linked together 

by world  class  infrastructure.  In  order  to  achieve  scale  and  critical mass we must  evolve  as  one 

diverse economy and not several. As a powerful economic bloc we will compete on a world scale. This 

is not a UK competition. The York and North Yorkshire with East Riding LEP believes the way forward 

is  to  organise  ourselves  into  business  sectors  across  the  North.  Businesses  can  then more  easily 

support  each  other  with  innovation,  University  links,  best  practice,  supply  chain  development, 

forward planning for skills and targeted  inward  investment. Sector working also has the advantage 

of  removing both political and boundary  constraints. Devolution  is necessary at a  level which will 

support our ambitions. The  international brand recognised and supported by most of our people  is 

Yorkshire. When working  ‘abroad’ we are proud  to  tell people  ‘we are  from  Yorkshire’.  Therefore 

devolution at a Greater Yorkshire level is our first choice. It makes sense. We believe this will provide 

the scale needed to successfully deliver the skills and physical  infrastructure necessary for growth.” 

Barry Dodd CBE, Chair Y, NY, ER LEP  

We the persons  listed below are pleased to submit the attached Statement of  Intent outlining our 

proposals  for  a  devolution  deal  on  the  geography  of  Greater  Yorkshire  consisting  of  Bradford 

Calderdale Craven City of  York  East  Yorkshire Hambleton Harrogate Hull  Kirklees North  Yorkshire 

Leeds Richmondshire Ryedale Scarborough Selby Wakefield  

It  is  our wish  that  all  16  local  authorities work with  our  3  Local  Enterprise  Partnerships  and  the 

private sector to deliver real economic growth. In recognition of the uniqueness of our history and 

strength  of  our  locality,  our  preferred  option  is  to  open  up  detailed  dialogue  with  Central 

Government  on  a  devolution  deal  centred  around  the  geography  of  Greater  Yorkshire  as  our 

preferred option.  

We believe that the sense of attachment to the locality of Yorkshire is unique and provides an ideal 

opportunity to provide a devolution deal on a scale which will allow Greater Yorkshire to compete 

on a global  scale and provide  the engine  to drive  the Northern Powerhouse. The  scale of  such  a 

devolution deal will allow the authorities to come together to provide an effective body to tackle the 

key issues for the region. We consider that this option will provide the strongest solution to support 

local growth, create faster transport links between cities and rural areas, improve skills and increase 

training.  

We must accept that South Yorkshire has decided that they will be responsible for their future. This 

geography ensures  that Greater Yorkshire, all of Yorkshire except South Yorkshire, provides  for all 

local authorities  to be  included  in  the Northern Powerhouse project, with no one being excluded 

because of location or economic challenge.  

We feel that this proposed geography meets the Chancellor`s call to be ambitious. We believe that 

although diverse we can bring together the financial power of the Leeds City region, Britain`s third 

biggest port complex at Hull, the renewable energy projects of the Humber and the Coastal area, the 

agri‐business, world‐class  food manufacturing,  and  outstanding  tourism  assets  of North  and  East 

7.0  ORIGINAL STATEMENT OF INTENT

13  

Yorkshire and York, and York`s role as a Science City, the energy generation  in Selby which powers 

our industries and keeps the country`s lights on, and the massive contribution potash mining will add 

to our national GVA  

Moreover Greater Yorkshire  is more recognisable  than  its constituent parts, and brings  together a 

rich  tapestry of  rural and urban economies. The millions who watched  the Tour de France Grand 

Depart not only appreciated the individual locations, but also took away an impression of a collective 

and connected place.  

Working together has seen an All Party Parliamentary Group of MP`s deliver benefits for the region 

Our aspirations are:  

1. Transform Public service delivery  

2. Raise Productivity  

3. Significantly accelerate housing delivery  

4. Invest in infrastructure to provide faster connectivity between cities and global gateway ports and 

airports  

Working in partnership with the Government we will:‐  

Transform public service delivery through strong and transparent leadership and governance and by 

a  commitment  to  work  together  to  provide  high  quality  services  to  our  residents  in  a  fiscally 

responsible way.  

Increase  productivity  by  raising  skills  and  aspirations  among  our  workforce  and  supporting  the 

development  of  key  industrial  sectors  including  sustainable  energy,  advanced manufacturing  and 

engineering,  traditional  service  industries  and  new  digital  industries,  biotechnology  and  agritech 

industries.  

Increase the rate of house building to meet the needs of our growing population, support economic 

growth and provide affordable high quality housing for everyone in the region.  

Invest  in  transport and communications  infrastructure which provides  faster connectivity between 

cities, global gateway ports and airports  to ensure  that Greater Yorkshire  sits at  the heart of  the 

Northern Powerhouse.  

Devolution of Powers to Greater Yorkshire  

The geography of Greater Yorkshire has a historic and proud identity which is recognised worldwide. 

Yorkshire provides a real sense of place and tradition with which residents are proud to identify. The 

Yorkshire brand is a powerful driving force behind a unique devolution opportunity which needs to 

be explored in greater detail. This devolution deal allows Greater Yorkshire to make decisions about 

its future which will further raise the profile of the area across the country and abroad.  

Greater Yorkshire has  a population of 3.7m  and  a GVA of £73bn A Greater  Yorkshire  (GY) would 

provide  the optimum  locality  to devolve a  range of  functions  to have  the greatest  impact  for  the 

region and to provide a true powerhouse of the North.  

14  

It  is  noted  that  Greater  Yorkshire  has  the  potential  to  provide  real  growth  opportunities  and 

compete on a world stage. Greater Yorkshire has:  

 Yorkshire has a clear identity and would be able to speak with one voice on issues of transport and economic development, ensuring the region is heard on the national and international stage.  

 Unity under a global brand of “Yorkshire”.  

 Strategic consideration of major infrastructures such as motorways, airports and the Port of Hull.  

 An opportunity for better connections across Yorkshire to access exporting and support key sectors of the economy.  

 The best opportunity  to “punch above our weight”  in  the northern powerhouse  for all areas of Yorkshire  

 93% of journeys to work starting in GY are internal to GY  

 The biggest devolution deal in the country  

We have attached an annex  illustrating the Greater Yorkshire asks which combine both the desires 

of  the  West  Yorkshire  Combined  Authority  and  the  York,  North  Yorkshire  and  East  Yorkshire 

proposals. The annex also shows how closely aligned the asks are across the region and provides a 

valuable opportunity to be more ambitious by developing our conversation further with the Treasury 

for  a  greater devolution  deal  that will bring  further benefits  to  all our  residents.  The  size of  the 

proposed  geography  and  economy  should  give  greater  confidence  that  further  powers  can  be 

devolved to the Mayor and the Combined Authority for Greater Yorkshire. 

It  is  considered  that  the  geography  of  Greater  Yorkshire  provides  such  a  compelling  case  for 

devolution that greater time should be allowed to explore this option and that Central Government 

should provide the greatest possible  levels of flexibilities and freedoms to such a region to provide 

the best outcomes for local people.  

There is a need to capture the moment and the momentum that the Chancellor has placed on offer, 

but  it also only correct that time should be taken to pause and allow the  largest devolution deal  in 

the country to be done properly and for maximum effect.  

Governance  

"I want to hear what  local councils,  local people think  is the best way to make sure that Yorkshire 

has a strong voice and that decisions that affect Yorkshire are taken in Yorkshire" ‐ George Osborne 

 “We  need  a  united  region  not  a  parochial  carve‐up”  –  political  correspondent,  Tom  Richmond, 

writing in The Yorkshire Post.  

We believe  that  this option  is  the best way  to give  the people of Yorkshire a  strong voice and  to 

ensure that any decision about Yorkshire, will be made in Yorkshire. In return for devolution on this 

scale, we would see strong governance arrangements in place across the region which would consist 

of a single Combined Authority with an elected Mayor and an Executive of Leaders.  

15  

We  strongly  believe  that  any  devolution  deal  must  be  through  the  agreement  of  all  the  local 

authorities involved and that devolution should not be forced on an unwilling partner. Each partner 

authority will  then have  the energy and  the responsibility  to sell  the benefits of devolution  to  the 

residents  it  is elected to serve. We would  like to open up discussions on this geography as we are 

convinced that a compelling case can be made for devolution on this scale that will have the greatest 

impact.  In return we wish to have a devolution deal which reflects the scale of the geography and 

the variety of powers that would need to be devolved to drive. We have therefore submitted this 

statement of intent to allow more time to be given to explore this option with Government and with 

our partners so that this proposal can be taken forward as the preferred option for the region.  

MEP`s, MP`s, Council Leaders, and Group Leaders have come together  in discussions to consider a 

proposal that we believe is in the best interests of Yorkshire and its residents.  

We now invite Government to work with us to develop this proposal.  

So far the list of Councils, Group Leaders, MEP`s and MP`s supporting this proposal is below:‐ 

Council Leaders; 

Craven – Cllr Richard Foster , City of York – Cllr Chris Steward , East Riding of Yorkshire – Cllr Stephen 

Parnaby, Hambleton – Cllr Mark Robson, Harrogate – Cllr Richard Cooper  , Hull City – Cllr Stephen 

Brady  , North Yorkshire – Cllr Carl Les, Richmondshire – Cllr Yvonne Peacock  , Ryedale – Cllr Linda 

Cowling , Scarborough – Cllr Derek Bastiman , Selby – Cllr Mark Crane  

Conservative Group Leaders;  

Bradford – Cllr Simon Cooke, Calderdale – Cllr Stephen Baines, Kirklees – Cllr Robert Light, Leeds  ‐ 

Cllr Andrew Carter, Wakefield – Cllr Nadeem Ahmed  

Member of European Parliament;  

Timothy Kirkhope  

Members of Parliament;  

Craig Whittaker,  Jason McCartney,  Julian Smith,  Julian Sturdy, Kevin Hollinrake, Nigel Adams, Rishi 

Sunak, Stuart Andrew, Alec Shelbrooke, Robert Goodwill, Diana Johnson, Alan Johnson, Karl Turner  

"The word  great  is  often  overused  in marketing,  but  Yorkshire  truly  is  a  great  region, with  great 

people, and great businesses. Yorkshire has a strong brand which  is recognised worldwide, and the 

Tour de France showed that when we work together we can achieve the greatest of things."  

Gary Verity, Welcome to Yorkshire 

Hull City Council  leader  Stephen Brady  said:  “Devolution  is not  just  about  economics  ‐  it’s  about 

people,  place,  community  and  belonging.  From  the  Yorkshire  dialect  to  cricket,  the  Tour  de 

Yorkshire,  rugby  league  and  the  football  rivalry  across  our  region,  Hull  is  Yorkshire  and  needs 

enabling to play its full role as an integral part of the region and the Northern Powerhouse.” 

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‘Greater Yorkshire’: Devolution Ask Analysis

The ‘asks’ presented in the devolution proposals submitted to government by the ‘York, North Yorkshire & East Riding’, ‘Leeds City Region’ and ‘Hull, Yorkshire & the North Powerhouse’ geographies are analysed in this paper, utilising a traffic-light system, as below:

Red: Insurmountable difference (0/31 asks);

Amber: Unclear consensus (13/31 asks);

Green: Clear consensus (18/31 asks).

The analysis illustrates that there are clear, consistent and complementary parallels across the three devolution proposals, with no apparent ‘deal breakers’ that may jeopardise a potential combined approach across a ‘Greater Yorkshire’ geography.

Ask Code Ask ‘Theme’ YNYER LCR Hull A Business Rate Infrastructure Precept B Business Rate Growth Retention C Consolidated Transport Budget D Franchised Bus Services E Local Rail Stations F Strategic Highways Network G Traffic & Emergency Management H Housing & Regeneration Investment Fund I Enterprise Zones J Management of Public Sector Assets K Integrated Infrastructure Investment L Incentivising Development M Broadband Delivery N Energy Generation O Flood Risk Management P Stamp Duty Q Housing Revenue Account R Management of ESIF Funding S Business Support T Research & Development U UKTI, Culture, Arts & Tourism V Rural Growth W Children & Young People X School Performance & Careers Advice Y Further Education Z Apprenticeships

AA Department for Work & Pensions

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Ask Code Ask ‘Theme’ YNYER LCR Hull AB Employment Agencies AC Police & Crime Commissioner AD Health, Social Care & Troubled Families AE Constitution

Fiscal A Business Rate Infrastructure Precept Leeds City Region Ask # 1: Control of a 10-year infrastructure precept, which is

exempt from the Council Tax capping regime, to deliver major new investments such as a world class ‘metro-style’ public transport network that is HS2 and HS3 ready.

YNYER Ask # 11: Combined Authority granted the same time limited business rates supplement powers currently provided to county and unitary authorities.

Gov’ Feedback Government agreement in principle, but needs further clarity and discussion with Ministers.

Hull Commitment to notion of ‘joint’ infrastructure decisions. Full retention of Business Rates with RPI/2% increase cap.

Analysis Very similar requests; complementary approach. Permanent or 10-year powers/precept to plan and implement

integrated infrastructure investment across Combined Authority geography. B Business Rate Growth Retention Leeds City Region Ask # 2: Power to levy and retain Supplementary Business

Rates to invest in major strategic infrastructure in a similar way to the London Crossrail scheme.

Ask # 3. Retention of 100% of the local growth in business rates.

YNYER Ask # 1: 100% retention of growth in business rates to be allocated directly towards unlocking key sites and infrastructure enhancements for high value economic growth in the region.

Gov’ Feedback 100% retention of local growth in business rates agreed in principle.

Unlikely to secure power to levy and retain Supplementary Business Rates as well as Ask 1 to precept.

Hull Full retention of Business Rates with RPI/2% increase cap. Analysis Very similar requests; complementary approach.

Use 100% retention of local growth in business rates to fund major infrastructure across Combined Authority area.

18  

Transport C Consolidated Transport Budget Leeds City Region Ask # 4: Responsibility for a devolved and consolidated

transport budget, with a multi-year settlement to be agreed at Spending Review.

YNYER Ask # 2: Powers to take an integrated approach to infrastructure including transport, housing development and spatial planning in the region.

Ask # 12: The ability and powers for the Combined Authority to deliver strategic transport planning and joint transport investment.

Gov’ Feedback Open to general approach, and are keen to see close links with West Yorkshire Transport Fund (WYTF).

Hull Creation of Freight Facilities Grant to encourage modal shift to rail/water.

Creation of an Airports Policy for the North. Analysis Very similar request; complementary approach.

Government emphasis on need to link closely to WYTF. D Franchised Bus Services Leeds City Region Ask # 5: Responsibility for franchised bus services (subject

to the buses bill) to secure access to ‘fare box’ revenues and for integrating simple smart ticketing across all local modes of transport.

YNYER Ask # 13: Responsibility for franchised bus services in the devolved geography.

Gov’ Feedback Government favourable to approaches in principle. Hull ?? Analysis This ask was not included in the Hull document submitted to

Government. Smart ticketing enabled across larger economic geography and

complementary Travel to Work Areas (TTWAs). E Local Rail Leeds City Region Ask # 6: Devolved ownership of local rail stations, with

associated budgets. YNYER ?? Gov’ Feedback Government would welcome proposals linked to Rail North. Hull Ultimate control of Northern Rail/TPX, franchise with

devolved subsidy funds, should Network Rail become regional to hold devolved funding for rail investment (cleared of debt).

Analysis This ask was not included in the York, North Yorkshire & East Riding document submitted to Government.

F Strategic Highways Network Leeds City Region Ask # 7: Devolved powers, responsibility and maintenance

budgets for a locally defined strategic highways network (including the M621 and M606), including new traffic management powers such as moving traffic enforcement.

YNYER Ask # 12: The ability and powers for the Combined Authority to deliver strategic transport planning and joint transport investment.

Gov’ Feedback Government committed/favourable to discussions to take this

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ask forward. Hull Devolved Trunk and Local Network Funding – combined

authorities commissioning, + HE. Analysis Very similar requests; complementary approach.

Strategic Highway planning across larger economic geography and complementary Travel to Work Areas (TTWAs).

G Traffic & Emergency Management Leeds City Region Ask # 8: A Memorandum of Understanding with Highways

England with regards to traffic management and emergency management on the M62.

YNYER ?? Gov’ Feedback Government agreed in principle. Hull ?? Analysis This ask was not included in the York, North Yorkshire & East

Riding or Hull documents submitted to Government.

20  

Housing, Regeneration & Planning H Housing & Regeneration Investment Fund Leeds City Region Ask # 9: Control of a new £500 million Housing and

Regeneration Investment Fund, including a fiscally-neutral transferred £350m revolving loan facility

YNYER Ask # 2: Powers to take an integrated approach to infrastructure including transport, housing development and spatial planning in the region.

Gov’ Feedback This approach needs to be worked up in more detail to agree a proposed level of control linked to demonstration of how better outcomes would be delivered than through the current system.

Hull The creation of a housing single pot to address regeneration and market failure with emphasis on urban and Brownfield - to be allocated to recognised housing areas.

Analysis Very similar requests; complementary approach. I Enterprise Zones Leeds City Region Ask # 10: Enterprise Zone / Tax Increment Financing status

for major developments at growth areas around principal transport hubs, as well as any new wider area based Enterprise Zones that may be established.

YNYER Ask # 1: 100% retention of growth in business rates to be allocated directly towards unlocking key sites and infrastructure enhancements for high value economic growth in the region.

Gov’ Feedback Government agreement in principle. Hull LAs retain all Enterprise Zone and Green Energy Business

Rates. Analysis Very similar requests; complementary approach. J Management of Public Sector Assets Leeds City Region Ask # 11: To be the Government’s delivery agency

(potentially via a Land Commission arrangement similar to London) to ensure assets are used and disposed of in a way that supports growth and regeneration…

YNYER Ask # 5: Management of public sector assets to support the region’s economic growth.

Gov’ Feedback Government agreement in principle, but need to clarify which local assets will be included. Trust ports might need primary legislation to resolve, but similar issues in NE.

Hull A test of optimising statutory and utility assets for economic growth. If not passed, then transfer to Local Authorities.

Make Port Plans statutory and dissolve the MMO giving powers to Local Authorities.

Give Local Authorities full planning powers over Crown Estate holdings.

Fully write off the Humber Bridge debt investing the assets, in to the Combined Authority/Development Corporation.

Analysis Very similar requests; complementary approach. K Integrated Infrastructure Investment Leeds City Region Ask # 12: Responsibility for a strategic infrastructure

investment plan to direct infrastructure investment priorities which will provide long term confidence to those wishing to invest in the City Region.

YNYER Ask # 2: Powers to take an integrated approach to

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infrastructure including transport, housing development and spatial planning in the region.

Gov’ Feedback Government agreement in principle, but need to illustrate how YNYER proposal for a combined Spatial Plan would resolve current blockages.

Hull Merge the regional functions of Heritage England, Natural England, Highways England, Environment Agency and allocate planning policy function from Local Authorities to create Directorate of the Built and Natural Environment.

A test of optimising statutory and utility assets for economic growth. If not passed, then transfer to Local Authorities.

High level land use plan in spatial plans to ensure that land use accords with flood infrastructure demands.

Make Port Plans statutory and dissolve the MMO giving powers to Local Authorities.

Give Local Authorities complete planning powers over the Crown Estate Holding.

Analysis Very similar requests; complementary approach. L Incentivising Development Leeds City Region Ask # 13: Powers to incentivise developers to bring

forward strategic sites and prevent land banking - and to bring empty buildings back into use.

YNYER Ask # 6: The ability for the Combined Authority to create Development Corporations, and have compulsory purchase powers, both subject to the agreement of the leader(s) of the local authorities in the relevant area.

Gov’ Feedback Government agreement in principle. Hull The creation of a housing single pot with an absolute

emphasis on urban and Brownfield - to be allocated to recognised housing areas. A tax (Development Land Tax) to be retained locally,

realised on sites/premises given outline planning consent based on estimated RV of the sites when fully built out. The value can only be appealed once complete and not retrospective.

A presumption against land-banking with LAs empowered to serve ‘interim use’ notices (greening) or ‘beneficial use’ notices, the latter; failure to comply will result in automatic fast track CPO.

VAT equalisation on refurbishment and new build. Full retention of Business Rates with RPI/2% increase cap.

Introduction of a locally determined ‘detrimental use property tax’ pro-rata to locality presence. This to include non-bank money tenders, pawn shops, high odds machines betting shops, adult establishments etc.

Analysis Very similar requests; complementary approach. M Broadband Delivery Leeds City Region Ask # 14: Responsibility for budgets, including

DCMS/BDUK, to deliver ultrafast broadband connectivity and further develop the market.

YNYER Ask # 2: Powers to take an integrated approach to infrastructure including transport, housing development and spatial planning in the region.

Gov’ Feedback Government recognises importance of digital infrastructure and that there may be a special case for rural areas, but further work would be required to develop ask further.

Hull ?? Analysis This ask was not included in the Hull document submitted to

Government.

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N Energy Generation Leeds City Region Ask # 15: Responsibility for local energy generation and

efficiency. YNYER Ask # 14: ...Enable the potential development of a regional

public-private partnership, potentially in the form an Energy Services Company (ESCO) to enter the energy generation sector

Gov’ Feedback Government open to discussion, but see this as a longer term development.

Hull ?? Analysis This ask was not included in the Hull document submitted to

Government. O Flood Risk Management Leeds City Region Ask # 16: Responsibility for flood defence capital

investment through devolved DEFRA and Environment Agency powers and budgets. YNYER Ask # 2: Powers to take an integrated approach to

infrastructure including transport, housing development and spatial planning in the region.

Gov’ Feedback Government open to discussion, but see this as a longer term development.

Hull Maintain allocation of EA funding, prioritising urban areas and economic assets.

Prioritise discretionary funding in same process to ensure effective protection of assets.

High level land use plan in spatial plans to ensure that land use accords with flood infrastructure demands.

Analysis Very similar requests; complementary approach. P Stamp Duty Leeds City Region ??

YNYER Ask # 9: 30% retention of Residential Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) on new homes built in the region, to be used towards an integrated housing and regeneration investment fund

Gov’ Feedback NO, but interested in linking housing to Land Commission/Development Corporation asks.

Hull ?? Analysis This ask was not included in the Leeds City Region or Hull

documents submitted to Government. Q Housing Revenue Account Leeds City Region ??

YNYER Ask # 10: Freedoms and flexibilities for the Housing Revenue Account.

Gov’ Feedback NO, but interested in linking housing to Land Commission/Development Corporation asks.

Hull No currently. Would need ?? Analysis This ask was not included in the Leeds City Region or Hull

documents submitted to Government.

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Growth/Investment R Management of ESIF Funding Leeds City Region Ask # 17: Responsibility for managing European Structural

and Investment Funds in the same way as London.

YNYER Ask # 3: A stronger co-commissioning role for the Combined Authority in the management of European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF), including prioritisation of funds.

Gov’ Feedback Open to increased responsibility, but will not stretch to co-commissioning function.

Hull ?? Analysis This ask was not included in the Hull documents submitted to

Government. S Business Support Leeds City Region Ask # 18: Responsibility for devolved and integrated

business support budgets...Working closely with the City Region Universities and HEFCE, secure greater influence over national investment in HE for innovation and business engagement, so it is better linked to our priority economic sectors…

YNYER Ask # 8: Government business support delivered through an integrated regional business support service with a single front door.

Gov’ Feedback Government agreement in principle, to be taken forward after 2017 (when existing contracts end).

Hull Clearly outline role of LEPs as a statutory business economic advisory body to Combined Authorities. LEPs become statutory planning consultees.

Analysis Similar requests; complementary approach. Delivery across broader economic geography would allow further

HE engagement, strengthening links. T Research & Development Leeds City Region Ask # 19: Identify a significant share of national investment

for global R&D facilities on a par with the Crick Institute, to accelerate our Northern Powerhouse research and SME commercial strengths in digital health innovation and innovative manufacturing - and work with the City Region to relocate a Research Council to our area.

YNYER Ask # 8: Government business support delivered through an integrated regional business support service with a single front door.

Gov’ Feedback Agreement in principle; use science and investment audits to make case for investment and facilitate collaboration with Innovate UK.

Hull Create a medium term funding pot (three years) for cultural, science, sport & tourism funds.

Analysis Very similar requests; complementary approach. U UKTI, Culture, Arts & Tourism Leeds City Region Ask # 20: Secure ring fenced UKTI resource on inward

investment and sector specialists, and deliver culture, arts and tourism through oversight of devolved funding held by Arts Council England and Heritage Lottery Fund.

YNYER Ask # 8: Government business support delivered through an integrated regional business support service with a single front door.

Gov’ Feedback Agreement in principle to co-locate UKTI staff and explore potential of Northern Powerhouse FDI hub in Leeds City Region.

Government see devolved funding from Arts Council England

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and Heritage Lottery Fund as a longer term conversation. Hull Create medium term funding pot (three years) for cultural,

sport and tourism funds. In addition, Heritage England, Natural England and Heritage Lottery should commit to three year devolved pot.

Analysis This ask was not included in the York, North Yorkshire & East documents submitted to Government.

V Rural Growth Leeds City Region ??

YNYER Ask # 4: Devolved powers and funding from DEFRA to coordinate support for rural areas including the work of the Environment Agency, Natural England, MMO, RDPE and Coastal Communities Fund to support rural jobs growth.

Gov’ Feedback Suggest pursuing Round table/single conversation approach initially

Hull ?? Analysis This ask relevant to rural areas and was not included in the

Leeds City Region or Hull documents submitted to Government.

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Education, Skills & Employment W Children & Young People Leeds City Region Ask # 21: Responsibility for regional education advisory

services, innovation funds for kinship care, family group conferencing and multi-agency interventions to put children and young people at the heart of the economic growth strategy.

YNYER Ask # 17: Responsibility and devolution of resources of the regional schools commissioner.

Gov’ Feedback Further local engagement required to fully ‘scope out’ ask. No to control of Academies.

Hull ?? Analysis This ask was not included in the York, North Yorkshire & East

Riding or Hull documents submitted to Government. X School Performance & Careers Advice Leeds City Region Ask # 22: Powers to drive the improvement of careers

advice and schools - and for local authorities to be able to intervene in academy schools deemed by Ofsted to be failing.

YNYER Ask # 7: Control of budgets and related powers for integrated local skills provision which reflects the needs of employers and local sectors.

Ask # 17: Responsibility and devolution of resources of the regional schools commissioner.

Gov’ Feedback Further discussion required to fully ‘scope out’ ask and powers that it relates too.

Hull Give Local Authorities power of intervention in failing schools, colleges and training providers.

Alignment of local curriculum to economic demand. Analysis Very similar requests; complementary approach. Y Further Education Leeds City Region Ask # 23: Control of Further Education capital and revenue

budgets (including 16-18 provision) - and powers to reshape and re-structure local skills provision that is responsive to the needs of employers and communities, including giving approval for and development of specialist technical & vocational education facilities.

YNYER Ask # 7: Control of budgets and related powers for integrated local skills provision which reflects the needs of employers and local sectors.

Gov’ Feedback Open to discussion re) greater influence over 16-18 funding and potential to ‘single pot’ some skills funding.

Longer term conversation required re) specialist education facilities.

Hull Devolved SFA/EFA funds to Combined Authority. Analysis Very similar requests; complementary approach. Z Apprenticeships Leeds City Region Ask # 24: Devolved budgets for employer-led skills

investment to allow our joined-up skills brokerage service to help more employers offer apprenticeships.

YNYER Ask # 7: Control of budgets and related powers for integrated local skills provision which reflects the needs of employers and local

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sectors. Gov’ Feedback Apprenticeship may change after Spending Review, so longer

term conversation required. Hull Devolved SFA/EFA funds to Combined Authority. Analysis Very similar requests; complementary approach. AA Department for Work & Pensions Leeds City Region Ask # 25: Devolved DWP national programmes and

budgets targeted at addressing worklessness (currently the Work Programme).

YNYER Ask # 15: To explore with Government the possibility of joint working/commissioning with the DWP.

Gov’ Feedback Open to LCR taking on similar co-commissioning role to Manchester and London from 2017.

Not in support of YNYER taking on this role. Hull Merge DWP, JCP, Probation Service to create Directorate

of Community Support. Devolution of Job Centre Plus, Into Work Benefits and

Work Programme into single pot with local flexibility to remove barriers to employment, engage with business and economic needs and ensure linkages to Health agendas.

Analysis Very similar requests; complementary approach. Differing Government response.

AB Employment Agencies Leeds City Region ?? YNYER ?? Gov’ Feedback ?? Hull Local licensing of Employment Agencies to ensure that

migrant labour is valued and not exploited. Analysis This ask was not included in the Leeds City Region or York,

North Yorkshire & East Riding documents submitted to Government.

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Public Service Reform AC Police & Crime Commissioner Leeds City Region Ask # 26: To adopt Police and Crime Commissioner

powers - and explore potential oversight of other ‘blue light’ and criminal justice services to improve interoperability and protect the front line.

YNYER Ask # 16: To work with Government to develop a sustainable future model for health, social care and blue light services in our region.

Gov’ Feedback Agreement in principle for adoption of Police & Crime Commissioner powers, subject to local discussion.

Hull Merge blue light services to create: Yorkshire Police, Yorkshire Fire and Rescue and Yorkshire Ambulance under a Directorate of Emergency Services.

Stronger links between restorative justice/ex offender and the work programme controlled at local level.

Local Authority licensing of Employment Agencies to prevent exploitation.

Analysis Potentially complementary requests; further discussion required. AD Health, Social Care & Troubled Families Leeds City Region Ask # 27: Control of a programme that extends the

successful Troubled Families model of joined-up public services to a cohort of adults with multiple and complex needs, with financial costs and benefits shared between local and national partners.

YNYER Ask # 15: To explore with Government the possibility of joint working/commissioning with the DWP.

Ask # 16: To work with Government to develop a sustainable future model for health, social care and blue light services in our region.

Gov’ Feedback Agreement in principle for LCR to implement ‘Working Families’ local pilot as part of wider Work Programme from 2017.

Open to discussions with YNYER moving forwards to explore joint working/commissioning.

Hull Devolution of Job Centre Plus, Into Work Benefits and Work Programme into single pot with local flexibility to remove barriers to employment, engage with business and economic needs and ensure linkages to Health agendas.

Long term sickness benefits to be devolved to align with Health funding.

See income tax etc. National tax on unhealthy food and drinks targeted at

young people (a young ‘tobacco’ tax). Proceeds to be allocated to LAs proportionate to

deprivation levels. Analysis Potentially complementary requests; further discussion required. AE Constitution Leeds City Region ??

YNYER ?? Gov’ Feedback ?? Hull Creation of a continental style constitution for Local

Authorities/Combined Authorities, where Local Authorities have powers unless prevented by law.

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Analysis This ask was not included in the Leeds City Region or York, North Yorkshire & East Riding documents submitted to Government.

 

 

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Performance Scorecard INDICATOR EAST NORTH

(inc. York) WEST GREATER

YORKSHIRE ENGLAND

1 % Working Age Population (ages 16-64) 1 62.5% 61.7% 63.8% 63.1% 63.5%

2 Gross Value Added per Employment Position (£)2 £43,100 £45,500 £46,600 £45,900 £53,000

3 Economic Activity Rate (% of 16-64 working age population)3 77.2% 79.1% 75.3% 76.4% 77.6%

4 Employment Rate (% of 16-64 working age population)3 71.8% 76.0% 69.4% 71.2% 72.9%

5 % in Full-Time Employment (% of 16-64 working age population)3 71.4% 72.9% 73.1% 72.8% 74.2%

6 VAT Registered Enterprises per 10,000 Population Aged 16+4 375.3 499.8 403.2 420.5 490.4

7 % of Medium-Sized & Large Enterprises (50+ Employees)4 2.1% 1.6% 2.6% 2.2% 2.1%

8 Enterprise Birth Rate (% of total VAT Registered active enterprises)4 12.8% 11.6% 14.4% 13.4% 14.4%

9 Enterprise 2 Year Survival Rates (% of all active enterprises 2 years previously)4 74.9% 77.0% 75.2% 75.6% 75.5%

10 Top 3 Industries offering Full-Time Employment:5 Manufacturing Health

Education

Manufacturing Health

Prof, Sci & Te

Manufacturing Health

Bus. Admin

Manufacturing Health

Bus. Admin

Manufacturing Health

Prof, Sci & Tech

11 Unemployment Rate (% of 16-64 working age population)3 7.0% 3.9% 7.8% 6.8% 6.0%

12 Qualified to NVQ Level 3+ (% of 16-64 working age population)6 52.1% 59.8% 51.0% 53.1% 56.5%

13 Trade Apprenticeships (% of 16-64 working age population)6 4.8% 3.2% 4.0% 4.0% 3.3%

14 Self-Contained Employment (Census travel flows)7 88.1% 79.4% 91.2% 94.0% 99.6%

15 Self-Contained Employment within Greater Yorkshire (Census travel flows)7 95.5% 92.2% 94.2% 94.0% -                                                             Sources: 1 ONS 2014, 2 ONS 2013 & BRES 2013, 3 APS Mar 2015, 4 IDBR 2013, 5 BRES 2014, 6 APS Dec 2015, 7 ONS 2011 

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Travel to Work Analysis 40,000 residents in North Yorkshire (12.8% of total commuters) work in East and West

Yorkshire.

25,700 residents in Craven, Harrogate and Selby work in West Yorkshire. This represents 21.5% of total commuters from these respective authorities.

25,700 residents in West Yorkshire work in North and East Yorkshire, which represents

just 3.0% of total commuters.

35,700 residents in South Yorkshire (7.1% of total commuters) work in East, North or West Yorkshire, with specific concentrations from Barnsley and Doncaster. Interestingly, 13,200 people from Barnsley work in West Yorkshire, which is twice as many as commute from York.

Self-containment across local authorities within the Yorkshire & Humber region has fallen on average from 75.8% in 2001 to 69.4% in 2011. In total 143,000 people (7.1%) commuted to work across the wider Yorkshire & Humber region beyond their own administrative boundary. This increase of 22,300 people, particularly when combined with the reduction in the number of Travel to Work Areas identified from the 2011 Census data, suggests that there is an increased interconnectedness between major employment hubs across the Yorkshire & Humber region.

Self-containment rates across each local authority within ‘Greater Yorkshire’ have fallen

from 76.1% in 2001 to 69.8% in 2011.