North Yorkshire Council has threatened to take legal action against York and North Yorkshire mayor David Skaith over a dispute about highways maintenance funding.
The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority has allocated the council £63.8m for roads maintenance in 2025/26, up from £57.8m the previous year. However, the council argues it will face a £20m shortfall over the following three financial years compared to what it would have received directly from the Department for Transport.
Council leader Carl Les said there was ‘no evidence’ to justify the change in funding formula, warning it would have a ‘significant negative impact’ on the council’s maintenance programme. He also alleged the combined authority had failed to follow its own legal constitution in reaching the decision, and that it should have required his approval.
‘This is not something we are taking lightly, but we do believe that ensuring decisions are taken legally, transparently and fairly is worth fighting for,’ Les said.
The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority has been approached for comment.
