There is no disputing the value of a strong voice when it comes to promoting a region and keeping an eye on its interests. Whether the Yorkshire and Humber Assembly, created out of the merger of the Regional Assembly and the Regional Chamber and with no direct powers beyond the power to influence, is the right voice remains to be seen.

Much of its role, on paper, appears laudable enough: working to create a more sustainable region; developing and maintaining its strategic framework; shaping the future of the region and its transport for the next 20 years; promoting the region and lobbying in Whitehall and Brussels for the best deal for it.

Those are worthy challenges which, if tackled with determination and vigour, could help the whole of Yorkshire to make the most of its opportunities in the years ahead. However, with 36 members drawn from 22 local authorities and a host of other diverse organisations, there is bound to be a danger of the assembly turning out to be chiefly a talking shop.

Its most puzzling role, though, is as a watchdog over Yorkshire Forward, the regional development organisation and one of the assembly's partners, and as scrutineer of some aspects of the work it undertakes.

Yorkshire Forward itself has a role in monitoring the way money is spent by various bodies in the region. It, too is now to be monitored.

Accountability is important where public money is concerned, certainly, but surely a line has to be drawn somewhere.