What powers and responsibilities does the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire have?

Regional Mayors possess significant devolved powers and responsibilities that extend beyond mere ceremonial roles. They amplify the region’s presence on a national scale, influence government policy, and secure additional funding.

Their responsibilities include managing local transport, housing, public services, economic development, and planning. Furthermore, they take on the roles of Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner and collaborate with local councils and organisations to tackle regional challenges.

Does the Mayor have a budget to spend?

The selected Mayor will oversee devolved power from Central Government and lead the strategic deployment for the region; commanding an investment of £540 million over 30 years, and £56 million in the first year. The Mayor will also be responsible for attracting additional investment into the region.

What is a Combined Authority?

A Combined Authority is where a group of councils work together across a larger area. The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority has been created by the City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council. You can find out more on the Y&NY Combined Authority’s website or on your local council’s website for York City Council and North Yorkshire Council.

Does this replace my local council?

No, The Mayor and Combined Authority do not replace, nor can they overrule local councils. Rather they co-ordinate strategy and investment across the wider region. Your local council will still be responsible for delivering local services such as education, social care, refuse collection, libraries, street cleaning, etc.

Is this just another layer of bureaucracy?

No, this is a transfer of decision making from London to York and North Yorkshire. It means that more decisions can be made locally to achieve a better outcome for local people, and to seize opportunities in our local economy.

What’s the difference between a Combined Authority Regional Mayor and a Civic or Lord Mayor?

A Combined Authority Regional Mayor is a leader directly elected by the people with devolved powers and resources to improve people’s lives. A Lord Mayor or Civic Mayor is a ceremonial representative with no formal powers. They are traditionally chosen by fellow members of a town, borough or city council.

What about other parts of Yorkshire?

West and South Yorkshire each have their own Regional Mayors. The devolved powers vary, but generally include significant influence over local and regional policy, planning, and investment, aiming to improve the respective areas’ economic and social landscapes.

When is the York and North Yorkshire mayoral election taking place?

The mayoral election takes place on Thursday 2 May 2024.
Polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm.
You must be registered to vote and bring appropriate ID with you.

How can I vote in the mayoral election?

There are several ways to vote:

• In person: Go to your designated polling station on election day (2nd May 2024). Remember to take suitable ID with you.
• By post: Apply for a postal vote before 17th April 2024.
• By proxy: Appoint someone you trust to vote on your behalf, if you’re unable to vote in person. Apply before 24th April 2024.

What types of ID are accepted?

If you’re voting at a polling station you need to show photo ID such as a driving licence, full or provisional, UK passport or older person’s bus pass or blue badge.

Expired ID is permissible if you’re still recognisable from the photo.

If you don’t have these, you can apply for a free voter authority certificate before April 24th (5pm).

Note: A younger person’s bus/rail card is not accepted.

How can I register to vote in the election?

You can register to vote online through the government’s official website – it only takes a few minutes. You should register as soon as possible, but be sure to register before midnight April 16th to be eligible before the deadline. If you are unable to register online, you can also register by contacting your local electoral registration office.

Who is eligible to vote in the mayoral election?

Residents of York and North Yorkshire who are registered to vote and are 18 years of age or older on election day are eligible to vote. This includes British, Irish, Commonwealth, and European Union citizens living in the area.

What is the York and North Yorkshire mayoral election?

A public vote to decide the new Mayor for the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority region.

How long is the mayoral term?

This election provides a term of four years from 2024-2028, at which point the incumbent can choose to stand for re-election. There is no limit on how many terms a mayor can serve.

How is the elected Mayor determined?

Combined Authority Mayoral elections are held under the first-past-the-post electoral system. The candidate who gets the highest amount of votes will be declared elected.