North and East Yorkshire pursue ‘city deal’

MOVES are underway to try and secure a ‘city deal’ for North and East Yorkshire, York council leader James Alexander has revealed.

In a speech, marking the end of his first year in office, Mr Alexander also confirmed the city is close to a deal with a private sector partner for a £30m investment in York’s broadband infrastructure.

Speaking last night he welcomed the recent announcements that will see significant Government money and powers in key economic areas handed over to the Leeds and Sheffield City Regions.

He said: “I think the Leeds City Region Deal was a huge success and represents the start of a programme of devolution that I support. And I am now working with York, North Yorkshire and East Riding LEP over a complementary devolution deal with North Yorkshire, offering even greater self-determination for York.

“York has been at the heart of this devolution agenda and will continue to be involved in future phases of the Leeds City Region deal.”

Mr Alexander was speaking last night at York’s Mansion House to an audience of business and community leaders in what is expected to become an annual event.

Setting out his priorities for the year ahead, he pointed to the development of the city’s new Economic Investment Fund and improving infrastructure to support business as key goals.

“We need to be investing now to ensure we can achieve growth in the longer term. We have to invest in the infrastructure of this city to enable it to support businesses, our tourism aspirations and our higher education providers,” he said.

“We are close to finalising implementation plans with private sector partners for £30m of investment in fibre to all premises in York and the provision of wi-fi throughout the city centre.  This will make us the most digitally connected city, by a mile, in the UK.”  

Other measures include a pilot scheme changing the way the council buys goods and services to try and give more opportunities to local suppliers.