Devolution - have your say on future of public services in North Yorkshire and York

Residents, businesses and local organisations are joining a series of virtual engagement events to discuss the future of public services in North Yorkshire and York.
How the east / west divide would look.How the east / west divide would look.
How the east / west divide would look.

The leaders of the seven district and borough councils want to hear views on local government reorganisation, as the Government has made it clear that reorganisation must happen.

Online engagement sessions began this week and many residents and businesses have already had their say.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The next residents’ engagement session is due to take place tomorrow (Sep 8) from 4pm to 5pm.

Further events for businesses are scheduled on Wednesday September 9, from 5pm to 6pm, and on Wednesday September 16, from 4pm to 5pm.

Three events for community groups are also available, on Wednesday September 9, from 3pm to 4pm, on Tuesday September 15, from 5pm to 6pm, and on Wednesday September 16, from 2pm to 3pm.

Click here to sign up for an engagement session.

The leaders of the county’s seven district and borough councils have unveiled a proposal for an ‘East-West model’ which would create two brand new councils.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The first would serve communities in Ryedale, Scarborough, Selby and York.

The second would serve communities in Craven, Hambleton, Harrogate and Richmondshire.

North Yorkshire County Council would like to see a ‘mega-council’ across the whole county, alongside a separate, much smaller council serving the City of York.

Speaking on behalf of the seven council leaders, Cllr Richard Foster, leader of Craven District Council, said: “The engagement sessions we have held so far have been very valuable in helping us shape the best model for local government in North Yorkshire and York.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It’s been really useful to hear so many views. It’s vitally important that people have their say, as this reorganisation will affect everybody who lives, works or runs a business in North Yorkshire and York.

“The future of our local services, communities, and economy is at stake; it’s crucial that we get change right.”

The Leaders say the East-West model would ensure that local democracy is delivered closer to communities, protecting local identity and resulting in more equal democratic representation.

Research from KPMG shows that an East-West model is also likely to be better value for money for taxpayers when compared with North Yorkshire County Council’s bid to create what would be the largest unitary authority in England.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Comments can also be sent to Cllr Richard Foster, Craven District Council, Belle Vue Square, 1 Broughton Rd, Skipton, BD23 1FJ.

Click here for more information on the emerging proposal from the seven district and borough councils in North Yorkshire go to