The bigger picture

North Yorkshire’s border talks

THERE WERE clear political motives behind the symbolic ‘ summit’ on CroftonTees Bridge between Carl Les, the leader of North Yorkshire County Council, and Tees Valley’s metro mayor Ben Houchen.

Coun Les wanted to use the border visit to highlight the benefits of a single super- council for North Yorkshire – and it was in Mr Houchen’s best interests to promote the virtues of the mayoral model.

But this should not preclude leaders across the region working together – and meeting regularly – while the Government and NYCC consider devolution options for the area.

After all, the economic interests of North Yorkshire and the Tees Valley are mutually dependent – many of the issues like jobs transcend the Tees – and it is important that political leaders take a more strategic approach when necessary.

This is even more important as South, West, North and East Yorkshire go their separate ways after a concerted push for countywide devolution – the so- called One Yorkshire model – was rebuffed by the Government because of its preference for city- region deals.

And while this is particularly challenging in rural areas like North Yorkshire, hence the current debate about the viability of a single- council stretching from the East coast to the Lancashire border, co- operation is even more crucial if this county and region is to maximise its future influence.

As such, the meeting between Coun Les and Mr Houchen shouldn’t be newsworthy because of its novelty value. It should be the new normal if this county is to attract its fair share of public and private sector investment.