In 2018, the Yorkshire councils presented a united front in their request for a One Yorkshire regional government to the Conservative government. This proposal aimed to boost the region’s economy – by a predicted £30bn a year – by harnessing local knowledge and addressing specific regional challenges. However, the government rejected this plan, opting instead for the divide and rule mayoral system under the guise of the begging bowl ‘levelling-up’ agenda. As we head into a general election, it’s evident that this strategy has not delivered the promised outcomes, leaving Yorkshire worse off than it was in 2018.
As the 2024 general election approaches, there is growing anticipation that a Labour government could come to power. A Labour administration is expected to be more receptive to regional autonomy and decentralisation efforts. Labour’s commitment to addressing regional disparities and its history of supporting local governance structures suggest that it might be more inclined to grant Yorkshire the regional autonomy it has long sought. This potential shift in government presents a crucial opportunity for Yorkshire to resubmit its proposal for a regional government, with hopes that a Labour-led government will recognise the benefits of a local administration.
A devolved Yorkshire: regional and national benefits
Investing in Yorkshire would not only address the immediate needs of its residents but also create a robust economic ripple effect, paying back many times over. By enhancing local infrastructure, education, and healthcare, the region could significantly boost productivity and attract businesses. A study by the Centre for Cities highlights that devolution can lead to economic growth by allowing regions to tailor policies to their unique needs, thus fostering innovation and investment.
Additionally, research from the University of Sheffield indicates that a devolved Yorkshire could see an increase in GDP driven by improved regional governance and targeted economic strategies. This economic uplift would not only benefit Yorkshire but also contribute to the national economy, showcasing the profound long-term benefits of such investment which may encourage other regions to follow suit.
The vision of One Yorkshire
The One Yorkshire proposal was not merely about political restructuring; it was a comprehensive strategy for economic rejuvenation. The plan envisioned a regional government that would be able to take targeted action as follows:
- Tailored economic policies: Develop and implement economic policies that address the unique needs and strengths of Yorkshire. This includes focusing on key industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and technology, which are crucial to the region’s economy.
- Infrastructure investment: Invest in local infrastructure projects to improve connectivity within Yorkshire and with other regions. This would include upgrading transportation networks, enhancing digital infrastructure, and modernising public services to boost productivity and attract investment.
- Education and skills development: Establish educational programs and vocational training tailored to the needs of local industries. By focusing on skills development, Yorkshire could create a more capable and adaptable workforce, reducing unemployment and underemployment.
- Support for local businesses: Provide targeted support to small and medium-sized enterprises, which are the backbone of Yorkshire’s economy. This could include grants, tax incentives, and access to finance to foster innovation and growth.
- Environmental sustainability: Implement region-specific environmental policies that promote sustainability and address local ecological challenges. This includes investing in renewable energy projects and promoting green technologies.
A regional government could leverage the intimate understanding of local issues possessed by Yorkshire’s leaders, ensuring that resources were allocated where they were most needed. This bottom-up approach contrasts sharply with the top-down methods employed by the centralised government, which often fail to capture the nuances of regional disparities.
The reality of levelling-up
The levelling-up agenda, despite its lofty promises, has been plagued by inconsistencies and a lack of coherent strategy. The introduction of mayors was intended to decentralise power but instead created fragmented governance, diluting efforts across numerous jurisdictions. This approach has led to chaotic implementation and, ultimately unmet expectations. Yorkshire, one of the poorest regions in Europe, has seen little benefit from these piecemeal efforts.
The UK’s centralised system has often been criticised for its inability to address regional inequalities effectively. Yorkshire, with its rich industrial heritage and potential for innovation, has been particularly neglected. The region’s GDP lags behind the national average, and without targeted intervention, this gap is unlikely to close.
Lessons from Scotland and the Basque Country
The experience of Scotland and the Basque Country of Spain provides a compelling case for the benefits of regional autonomy. Since the establishment of the Scottish Parliament in 1999, Scotland has been able to tailor policies to its specific needs, resulting in notable economic benefits. For instance, Scotland has seen improvements in GDP growth, partly due to its ability to implement region-specific strategies in education, health, and economic development.
Similarly, the Basque Country in Spain offers an instructive model for regional governance. The Basque Country has a high degree of fiscal autonomy, allowing it to collect its own taxes and manage public spending according to local priorities. This autonomy has translated into robust economic performance, lower unemployment rates, and high standards of living. By focusing on innovation, education, and infrastructure, the Basque Country has become one of the most prosperous regions in Spain.
A detailed analysis by Yorkshire Bylines highlights how the Basque Country’s model could be adapted for Yorkshire. The article emphasises that regional autonomy allows for more efficient and targeted use of resources, fostering economic resilience and social wellbeing. It argues that if Yorkshire had been granted similar autonomy, it could have mirrored the successes of Scotland and the Basque Country.
With control over its economic levers, Yorkshire could have implemented policies directly addressing local issues such as unemployment, transport infrastructure, and skills shortages. This would have likely led to a more resilient and dynamic regional economy.
An opportunity to resubmit the One Yorkshire proposal
As the general election approaches, Yorkshire stands at a crossroads. The Labour Party has promised to pursue a similar decentralisation agenda to that of the Conservative Party, but vows to execute it more effectively. This presents a crucial opportunity for Yorkshire to resubmit a new proposal for a One Yorkshire regional government to a potentially more receptive Labour government.
Given the failure of current policies, resubmitting the One Yorkshire proposal is essential. Failing to seize this opportunity risks further economic decline and condemns another generation of Northern folk to endure a second-class lifestyle compared to the more affluent regions of the UK. A renewed push for regional autonomy is essential to prevent the continued marginalisation of Yorkshire and to unlock its full economic potential.
The path to regional self-determination
For Yorkshire, the vision of a regional government remains a powerful idea. It represents a chance to break free from the constraints of centralised governance and embark on a path of self-determined growth and prosperity. The lessons from the past six years underscore the need for a governance model that prioritises local knowledge and regional collaboration.
The rejection of the One Yorkshire proposal in 2018 was a missed opportunity for regional empowerment and economic revitalisation. The subsequent levelling-up agenda has failed to deliver meaningful improvements, leaving Yorkshire struggling with the same challenges it faced years ago. As we look to the future, the case for a One Yorkshire regional government is stronger than ever.
By resubmitting a renewed proposal to a Labour government and granting Yorkshire the autonomy it needs, we can unlock the region’s full potential, fostering a more equitable and prosperous United Kingdom.
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