The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority has been designated an Established Mayoral Strategic Authority, with confirmation received on Friday 31 July 2026, making it the first rural mayoral area in England to hold the status.
The designation gives the Combined Authority, led by Mayor David Skaith, access to further devolved powers, increased flexibility over funding and the ability to request additional powers from government, the authority said.
Eleven areas now hold Established Mayoral Strategic Authority status, including Greater Manchester, the West Midlands, South Yorkshire, the North East, West Yorkshire, the East Midlands and the West of England.
Under criteria published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, authorities seeking the designation must have had a directly elected mayor in place for at least 18 months, hold a published Local Assurance Framework and submit evidence of a track record of managing major programmes. The status is provided for by the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act, which received Royal Assent in April 2026.
York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority formed in February 2024. The authority said the designation reflects growing confidence from government in its ability to deliver change for the region.
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