RYEDALE MP Kevin Hollinrake has said there is “a better way” to Yorkshire devolution, following the Government’s rejection of the One Yorkshire bid last week.

The One Yorkshire deal, which covered almost the whole county of Yorkshire, would have seen an increase in decision-making and investment at regional level.

The plan had the backing of 18 out of 20 of the region’s local councils, including Ryedale District Council.

But the Government told them that it did not meet their “devolution criteria”.

In his statement, communities secretary James Brokenshire MP didn’t define what these criteria are, but said: “However, we are prepared to begin discussions about a different, localist approach to devolution in Yorkshire. We know there is local appetite for other devolution elsewhere in Yorkshire.”

Mr Hollinrake had never backed the One Yorkshire approach, arguing it would have favoured large urban centres over rural towns and villages. Instead he said he prefers a more local devolution option centred around city regions in York, Hull, Leeds and Sheffield, each with their own devolution agreement and each with their own mayor.

Speaking after the rejection of One Yorkshire, he said: “This may appear to be a blow to Yorkshire’s devolution dreams but there is a better option and I hope everyone will come together to support it. City regions are proven to be the most effective way to drive productivity.

“I would very much like to see a bid coming forward for a York City Region, to include all the York and North Yorkshire councils.”

In August 2017, Ryedale was one of the “coalition of the willing” authorities seeking a single devolution deal. Sheffield and Rotherham, however, did not sign, and elected a South Yorkshire mayor in May 2018 - though as yet he has no devolved powers.