[3] In 1449 an adjoining rural area called the Ainsty, covering several villages to the south-west of York, was brought under the city's authority.

A separate body of improvement commissioners was established in 1825 to pave, light and repair the streets, provide a watch, and supply water.

[15] The city remains part of the wider ceremonial county of North Yorkshire for the purposes of lieutenancy.

Parts of the city are included in civil parishes, which form a second tier of local government for their areas.

[25] Political control of the council since the 1974 reforms has been as follows:[26][27][28] Non-metropolitan district Unitary authority The role of Lord Mayor of York is largely ceremonial, and tends to be held by a different person each year.

[38] Prior to 2013 the council was based at York Guildhall on the banks of the River Ouse, the oldest parts of which date back to the fifteenth century.

[40] In October 2020 the council provided older people in the city with smart watches, which monitor a range of indicators including body temperature, heart rate, sleep patterns and step count.

They are supported by sensors in their homes that can capture temperature and humidity, movement, how often doors open and close and power consumption.

The service is provided by Sensing247 and North SP Group Limited and is intended to help people stay independent.