Affordable homes projects and local authority infrastructure schemes in York and North Yorkshire are to benefit from more than £4 million of mayoral funding.

York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith is using the Mayoral Investment Fund to support schemes across the region.

The move has been welcomed by political leaders from York and North Yorkshire, who look forward to further benefits being delivered.

Funding for the schemes totalling £4million have been approved at a meeting of the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

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Projects include a new harbour boat in Scarborough receiving £700,000, helping safeguard 15 jobs.

£175,000 has been allocated to replace 37 EV charging hubs in Hambleton and 13 in Craven.

In addition, appraisal work will take place to consider funding two further North Yorkshire Council schemes - Harrogate A61 major junction improvements and Selby Station gateway contribution - and three projects from City of York Council. These are: Movement and Place Transport Study, Our City Centre Regeneration and Cultural Passport for Young People Programme.

The Combined Authority approved Mayoral Investment Fund support for three York and North Yorkshire Brownfield Housing Fund schemes.

Some £3.36 million will be allocated to: Lowfield Lane phase two, York; Ordnance Lane, York and Neville House, Gargrave. This will support the building of 181 affordable homes.

The money from the Mayoral Investment Fund adds to the £12.7million already secured for the York and North Yorkshire Brownfield Housing Fund from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Mayor Skaith (Labour) says the devolved funding is making a real difference.

“In this case, supporting key infrastructure projects, which support our economic and net zero ambitions, and another round of funding for affordable housing. Creating affordable homes will help us to reduce inequalities, raise living standards and create stronger communities.”

City of York Council leader Claire Douglas said the devolved funding was boosting delivery of affordable housing at Lowfield in Acomb and Ordnance Lane in Fulford.

The Combined authority was also helping with appraisal funding to help how the city tackle congestion, air quality and improve transport, she says.

Cllr Douglas added: “We also agreed to explore the prospect of support for the regeneration of York city centre in the near future.  As a major tourist destination, any help in attracting visitors to York helps the city in its role as a central driver of regional economic growth.

“But we’re keen to show the Combined Authority is not just about physical improvements and will be considering funding in the future for people-focussed initiatives too. I’m pleased with the progress we’re making but there’s much more to come”.

North Yorkshire Council leader Carl Les (Conservative) agreed devolved funding was helping the region.

He too welcomed the funding to deliver 200 affordable homes on brownfield sites and said future funding could be agreed for A61 improvements in Harrogate and the Selby Station Gateway.