Sutton under Whitestonecliffe Parish Council

 

From

Hambleton Weekly Briefing for Town and Parish Councils 23 July 

LOCAL GOVERNMENT REVIEW

• On Wednesday evening the Government announced that local councils in North Yorkshire will be reorganised to form one council across the whole of the county, covering a population of 618,000, leaving York as a separate unitary council serving a population of 211,000.

• This means Hambleton will cease to exist on 1 April 2023.

• The Government decision follows a consultation held earlier this year on the future of local government in North Yorkshire and York.

• Government ministers, following a request from NYCC, had told councils in July last year that they wished to see local government in the area reorganised into unitary councils which would deliver all council services.

• The six district and borough councils of Craven, Harrogate, Richmondshire, Ryedale, Scarborough and Selby had joined together to propose an East & West model of local government.

• Hambleton did not sign up to this proposal and responded to the Government consultation by reiterating that the current way in which local council services are delivered in Hambleton continues to be the preferred option. However, if the current arrangement is not an option, we would call for the option which will provide the best possible service to residents of Hambleton and the option which will limit job loss in the Hambleton district to be taken forward.

• We are saddened and disappointed with this decision; however, we will now work hard to ensure the very best outcomes for residents, businesses, communities and staff. There is a great deal of hard work ahead of all of us to make sure that our excellent services continue for the people of Hambleton while we prepare for the new council to take shape by 2023.

• We will ensure that we have a voice during the transition so that local places and the interests of staff are represented throughout.

• Staff will continue to be employed by their current council until March 2023, after which the vast majority will be transferred to the new authority.

• Elections to the new authority are to be held in May next year (2022).

• We will continue to keep you up to date as the situation progresses