The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority has approved its first corporate plan, setting out its priorities for the next three years as it moves from establishing the devolved authority to delivering benefits for residents and businesses.
The plan outlines how the authority intends to use its devolved powers and funding to support economic growth, improve transport, increase affordable housing, tackle climate change and strengthen communities across the region.
It follows the authority receiving Established Mayoral Status in June 2026, which it says provides greater flexibility and opportunities to secure investment.
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said:
Having people with skin in the game, not Westminster, making the decisions about how to tackle challenges and make the most of our opportunities will make a difference for our communities.
This Corporate Plan sets out the next step on our journey and provides a clear roadmap for how we will turn those powers into action over the next three years.
Working with government and local partners will unlock more investment and tools, we will focus on what matters most. That’s backing our local businesses, making it more affordable for people to live here, improving how people move around our county, and creating safer communities for everyone.
Six priorities for the region
The corporate plan identifies six priorities:
- Accelerating and delivering inclusive economic growth.
- Tackling climate change and delivering a sustainable future.
- Developing an integrated transport system that connects people to opportunities.
- Helping communities thrive, stay safe and improve their health.
- Building a high-performing organisation.
- Delivering best value.
The authority’s longer-term ambitions include more affordable homes, better public transport, improved access to skills and employment, safer communities and progress towards making York and North Yorkshire carbon negative by 2040.
It aims for residents to see tangible benefits from devolution by 2029, although the corporate plan will also need to be judged against the results delivered over that period.
Existing investment and support
The Combined Authority has highlighted a number of initiatives it says demonstrate the impact of its work to date.
- 20,000 people supported to engage in upskilling, training or qualifications.
- £2.4 million provided through the Carbon Negative Challenge Fund to support decarbonisation initiatives.
- Funding allocated for 902 affordable homes through the Brownfield Housing Fund.
- £4 million allocated through the Mayoral Active Travel Fund.
- More than 52,000 referrals supported through work involving victims of crime, vulnerable people, offenders and community priorities.
- More than 3,600 businesses supported, alongside assistance for 583 people starting a business.
These figures were provided by the Combined Authority as part of its summary of progress. The corporate plan sets out the framework for future investment and how progress against its priorities will be measured.
Working with local councils and communities
The Combined Authority said it would continue working with North Yorkshire Council, City of York Council, businesses, public services, voluntary organisations and local communities to deliver its priorities.
The plan’s stated vision is for York and North Yorkshire to become a thriving and confident region where communities feel safe and are connected to opportunities.
Its success will ultimately depend on whether the commitments translate into improvements that residents can see in their everyday lives, including transport links, housing affordability, employment opportunities and local services.