A YORK business boss has backed 'the ambitions' behind a regional economic blueprint which aims to create nearly 36,000 new jobs over the next 20 years but highlighted growing 'frustration' over devolution.

Ed Everard, president of the York & North Yorkshire Chamber, was responding yesterday (Wednesday) to the revised Strategic Economic Plan (SEP) to transform the economy of the Leeds City Region - which includes York, Selby and Harrogate.

The SEP sets out plans to create an additional 35,700 jobs over the next 20 years, and expand the region's economy at faster than the national average.

These include creating a 'Metro-style' public transport system across the region, making it a leading centre for technology-based jobs and talent, increasing inward investment and reducing the risk of flooding.

The report says: "York is one of Leeds City Region’s major assets. it has been voted the place people most want to live in England, has a global reputation for culture and heritage, is home to a world-leading and expanding university, and has the highest proportion of people with a degree education in the north."

But the city also faces "the challenges of success – a shortage of housing and unaffordable house prices, and a lack of business space".

The SEP highlights the importance of tourism to York, plus high-value business, research and development, developing high-quality office space, inward investment and higher-waged jobs.

"More widely there is opportunity to better utilise and retain graduate talent, to increase incomes, and to take full advantage of York’s position as a key centre in its own right, and one with excellent connections to other centres, including Leeds, Harrogate, Bradford, London and Edinburgh," it says.

Mr Everard said: "The chamber supports the ambitions set out within the updated SEP, which rightly acknowledges the strengths of the York and North Yorkshire economy.

"If we are to narrow the productivity gap and the pace of growth between London and the South-East and our region, we must tackle infrastructure and skills issues. The report recognises that not all parts of our region are starting from the same position. York has very good education standards but our members frequently point out the transport challenges experienced on a daily basis.

"The Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership has already made good progress in supporting the economy and as a result we are seeing record levels of employment, increased levels of foreign direct Investment and some devolved funding for infrastructure which emphasises how local decision making and delivery can have a much stronger impact.

"However, we do need to reach an agreement on proposals for wider devolution. There is a growing sense of frustration from our members at the lack of progress and a sense that we will get left behind as other regions are given the tools and funding to deliver the outcomes that will grow their economies."