A PROPOSAL that would see a new Greater Yorkshire authority pressing ahead with its own road, rail and health and social care projects, is gaining momentum.

The Greater Yorkshire devolution bid is being considered by the Government, with supporters claiming it has gained serious traction with Westminster decision-makers.

A meeting to discuss the proposal was due to take place with Communities Secretary Greg Clark and Commercial Secretary to the Treasury Lord O’Neill this week, but had to be postponed.

News on the deal is expected within weeks while an announcement on a Tees Valley devolution bid is said to be imminent.

Greg Clark has said the Greater Yorkshire bid had “a lot going for it and a lot of support.”

Leader of North Yorkshire County Council, Carl Les, said the Greater Yorkshire plan centres on assuming power for transport, infrastructure, skills, surplus land and reform of public services.

If successful it would allow the new authority to look at projects such as improving the East and West links across Yorkshire.

As well as improving the road links to West Yorkshire, they also want to look at improving East-West rail links by electrifying the line and getting twin tracks between York and Harrogate.

A Greater Yorkshire Combined Authority would also examine a further integration of health and social care, to relieve the pressure on hospitals and acute services.

Cllr Les said devolution was not just about creating more powerful cities but would also focus on bolstering the rural economy and creating more enterprise zones similar to the Food Enterprise Zone recently designated near Malton.

It attracts funding to allow businesses related to food and agri-tech to expand and encourages new start-ups.

“I would like to see a network of enterprise zones set up throughout the devolution region and not just based in cities, because the rural economy is equally important to us.

“Greater Yorkshire bid combines the advantages of the city growth but also doesn’t neglect the rural communities and coast."

The proposal has the support of council leaders in Hull, East Riding, North Yorkshire and the City of York. Although Hull has submitted its own bid, it also backs the Greater Yorkshire plan.

Several rival bids proposing how to carve up the Yorkshire region in order to obtain more devolved powers have been submitted to the Government.

The Leeds City Region bid would see West Yorkshire’s five councils pair up with York, Hambleton, Craven and Selby.

The Sheffield City region recently signed its own devolution deal with the Government.