Ryedale District Council has welcomed the government’s Levelling Up White Paper and is committed to making the most of the opportunities for the area.

The White Paper sets out a plan to transform the UK by spreading opportunity and prosperity across the country. It also sees the biggest shift of power from Whitehall to local leaders in modern times.

It includes 12 key ‘missions’ which include a rise in pay and employment, skills and training investment, domestic public investment, local public transport connectivity and a devolution deal for each part of England that wants one.

Stacey Burlet, Chief Executive of Ryedale District Council said: “This announcement is very much welcomed – it moves the economy forward and helps secure investment. It will increase the quantity and the quality of employment, create new skills and training opportunities and build places where people want to live and work. We’re committed to doing what we can for Ryedale.

“Ryedale District Council is part of Yorkshire Leaders Board, a unique collaboration of local government and Higher Education institutions, and two Mayoral Combined Authorities, spanning all parts of Yorkshire and the Humber.

"This consortium submitted a position statement to put forward a shared plan and definition of levelling up, to ensure our communities see genuine benefits.

“We’re looking at the White Paper in full detail to see how we can incorporate the potential opportunities for the district.”

Councillor Dinah Keal, Chair of Policy and Resources Committee for Ryedale District Council added: “Local government reorganisation will take place with a new unitary council in place by 1 April 2023. The White Paper means there will also be negotiations for a new Mayoral Combined Authority deal for York and North Yorkshire. The new unitary council will need to work hard to ensure it gets the best possible deal from devolution for our residents.”

Announced by the Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove MP the 12 national levelling up missions, given status in law, will shift government focus and resources throughout 2020s

They include every part of England to get ‘London style’ powers and mayor if they wish to and domestic public investment in Research & Development to increase by at least 40% across the North, Midlands, South West, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland