In our latest One Voice podcast, we speak to City of York Council leader, Councillor Keith Aspden.

We discuss the heritage of the city – from the Romans, Vikings, railways and chocolate – to the modern business landscape that is internationally recognised.

A key part of the region’s identity is its ability to reinvent and adapt to change, highlighted in the future jobs and future opportunities that are linked to the cutting-edge science, innovation and research sectors.

We look at how the council is working with new businesses to create jobs for the city and how that benefits the wider region.

We also highlight the importance of the East Coast Mainline in providing connectivity, and the need to deliver on the TransPennie Route Upgrade to ensure better access to all areas of the North.

And as the region moves towards having a new combined authority, we discuss how the devolution deal will allow issues such as housing, climate change, and strategic transport issues can be decided locally.

You can share your thoughts on our podcasts by Tweeting and tagging us with @Transport4North!

The Transport for the North podcast is a forum to allow guests to express their personal opinions about the North, and do not necessarily reflect the official position of TfN.