Voters are being urged to take part in the first election of a mayor for York and North Yorkshire.
Polls cards are being sent to more than 600,000 voters in York and North Yorkshire from tomorrow (Wednesday) ahead of the poll on Thursday, 2 May.
To take part, you have to be registered to vote before midnight on Tuesday, April 16. To vote by post, you must first be registered and apply by 5pm on Wednesday, April 17.
To vote in person, you must take photo ID.
The vote will choose who leads the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, which launched in February.
The role of the mayor is to work alongside local leaders to create a long-term vision, secure more investment into the region.
The mayor will also take on the responsibilities of the police, fire and crime commissioner for York and North Yorkshire.
It is part of the devolution deal which includes an investment fund totalling £540 million over a 30-year term.
North Yorkshire Council’s chief executive, Richard Flinton, will be the combined authority’s returning officer for the election.
He said: “The election on 2 May will see voters decide who will become the new mayor for York and North Yorkshire, and it should not be under-estimated as to just how important that role will be.
The mayor’s powers
The mayor will have certain powers and responsibilities, devolved to them by central government.
In summary these include:
- Responsibility for 30-year Mayoral Investment Fund and the powers to borrow against funds
- Full devolution of the Adult Education Budget
- Powers to improve the supply and quality of housing and secure the development of land or infrastructure
- Powers and funds to improve transport through a consolidated, devolved, multi-year transport settlement
- Responsibilities for community safety and the powers to appoint a Deputy Mayor who will carry out many of the duties currently held by the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner
“This is about ensuring benefits for hundreds of thousands of residents and businesses in York and North Yorkshire are realised through devolution, as the Government gives more decision-making powers to our region along with millions of pounds in additional funding.”
City of York Council’s chief operating officer, Ian Floyd, is the returning officer for the city.
He said: “The mayor, who will serve a four-year term, will act as an influential figurehead for the region, developing close links with the Government to secure more funding and decision-making powers as the devolution deal evolves.”
Find out more about how to vote in the mayoral election at the North Yorkshire Council website here and City of York Council website here.