Rearguard action

Safeguarding the rural economy

AT LEAST James Wharton, the Minister charged with implementing the Northern Powerhouse, recognises the importance of the rural economy. Unlike so many of his colleagues, he has made clear that countryside communities are intrinsic to any devolution deal that might be agreed in the coming weeks.

This is particularly important following the recent disclosures that West Yorkshire’s five metropolitan counterparts want to team up with Selby, York, Harrogate and Craven councils and develop policies that will benefit those who live in the so-called Leeds travel-towork area – they appear not to sufficiently respect the potential of the rest of North Yorkshire, or the east of the county for that matter.

Yet, while Mr Wharton is right to stress that the final framework should be determined locally rather than in Whitehall, it is equally important that the final settlement benefits the whole county – this region is at its strongest when its leaders are pulling in the same direction rather than duplicating this effort by competing for the same funding. If it wasn’t for the area’s three national parks and spectacular coastline, Yorkshire’s cities and towns would not be such attractive places to live and work. Conversely, the county’s rural economy would be much the poorer without the wealth generated from urban areas. As such, it would be regrettable if this relationship was compromised by those who seek to divide and rule.