North Yorkshire County Council has defended a £540 million devolution deal after a report found it to be the third lowest agreed across northern England.
A report by the think tank, IPPR North, analysed the deal in comparison with similar agreements struck in areas such as West Yorkshire and the Tees Valley.
The organisation looked at the proposed ‘gainshare’, which is the money provided by the government annually for the investment fund, and how it compared with other northern regions.
The report found that out of seven devolution agreements reached in the north of England, the North Yorkshire deal offered the third lowest investment funding per person.
The £540 million investment, which is spread out at £18 million per year over 30 years, came below the likes of South Yorkshire (£900m) and North of Tyne (£600m) in the analysis.
The analysis from IPPR North, which shows devolution investment funding per person.
The report comes after county council leaders agreed the long-awaited deal with ministers to devolve more powers, including an elected mayor, to North Yorkshire and York, in August.
Rosie Lockwood and Marcus Johns, of the IPPR, carried out the research into the deal which is set to go out for consultation this year.
Ms Lockwood said the fund would not “come close” to covering losses in local government cuts. However, she added that any funding was a step forward.
She said:
“Clearly this, or any investment fund alone, does not come close to the losses communities across the North have experienced because of austerity. And when shown alongside the north’s other initial devolution deals, as we have compared below, the fund comes fifth of the seven initial deals for size of investment fund per person.
“Nevertheless, the investment fund is a step in the right direction. It is better that decisions about how to spend this money are taken locally, in line with local priorities.”
Northern Powerhouse analysis
County council leaders defended the deal and pointed out that it was “only the beginning” of devolution in the county.
Cllr Carl Les, leader of the authority, said the agreement would give local officials “a seat at the table” to be able to negotiate further funding and powers from ministers.
Responding to the IPPR North report, he said:
“One of the key elements of the deal is an investment totalling £540 million over a 30-year period, as it provides flexibility to target money to specific schemes on a far more local level.
“While other devolution deals have secured larger figures of funding under their deals, this has to be placed in context, as this is simply just the start.
“Any devolution deal is about getting a seat at the table to build close working relationships with the government and evolve the initial agreement to ensure even greater benefits can be brought.
“As IPPR North acknowledges itself, this is not necessarily about where you begin, but where you’re going that counts – stating that a devolution deal is ‘just the beginning of a process that requires work, but has the potential to be transformative’.
“This means negotiating further deals in the future with the Government to bring even more decision-making powers and funding to York and North Yorkshire.”
Council officials also pointed to analysis by the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, a partnership group between civic leaders and businesses in the north of England.
Read more:
- County leaders coy on referendum calls for Harrogate town council
- North Yorkshire devolution concentrates power into ‘hands of few’
- Mayor for North Yorkshire agreed in £540m historic devolution deal
The research found that the £540 million investment would provide £23.31 per head of population per year across North Yorkshire and York — the second highest in the north.
It added that the only agreement which was higher was in North of Tyne, which amounted to £24.69 per person.
By comparison, the Liverpool City Region’s devolution deal provided £19.68 per head of population through the annual gainshare, while the figure is £10.88 in Greater Manchester.
Henri Murison, chief executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, said:
Scrutiny of North Yorkshire Police use of force ‘not good enough’, say inspectors“The £540 million which York and North Yorkshire has secured should go a long way towards transforming public services and driving up productivity in the region.
“Whether this means improving education and skills, providing better transport links, tackling climate change or ensuring better quality jobs and career opportunities, the funding under the investment fund is a vital resource for any devolution deal.
“Most importantly, the deal means the region gets a directly-elected mayor who will remain accountable to their voters.
“The very nature of devolution is about bespoke, local solutions which means that it’s normal to see some variation in what each authority has received in terms of funding.
“It’s also important to remember that the investment fund is just one element of any deal. Greater Manchester, for example, also has a housing investment fund.”
Scrutiny of North Yorkshire Police’s use of force in custody is “not good enough”, say inspectors.
An inspection report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services found that scrutiny and quality assurance could not show that force used was “necessary, justified and proportionate”.
Inspectors also found that recording in custody records was “often poor” and important information, including reasons for decisions such as the removal of clothing, is “sometimes missing”.
They added that a review of CCTV found that incidents “weren’t always managed well, and techniques weren’t always used correctly”.
In a report published today, inspectors said:
“The force’s governance and oversight of the use of force in custody isn’t good enough.
“Although there is some scrutiny and quality assurance of incidents, the information that supports this scrutiny is inaccurate.
“This means North Yorkshire Police can’t show that when force is used in custody it is necessary, justified and proportionate.”
However, the report did find that officers interacted respectfully with detainees and were “patient and reassuring”.
It also found that the standard of care offered by custody staff to detainees was “very good”.
The inspection was carried out into the force’s custody suites during June and July this year. There are custody suites in York, Harrogate and Scarborough
In the report, inspectors raised two causes for concern which included scrutiny of use of force and managing detainee risk.
Read more
- North Yorkshire Police progress on stalking ‘positive’ but needs more detectives
- North Yorkshire Police 999 response times ‘unacceptable’, says superintendent
Recommendations were made to improve scrutiny of use of force and to mitigate the risk of detainees in custody.
Police response
In response to the report, Elliot Foskett, North Yorkshire’s assistant chief constable (pictured above), said:
Teenagers charged after PCSOs allegedly assaulted in Harrogate McDonald’s“We welcome the HMICFRS report, as it helps us to further understand how we can continue to improve our custody provision here in North Yorkshire Police.
“Working within the legislative framework, our absolute priority is the safety and welfare of detainees, avoiding any adverse level of risk.
“It is acknowledged that some processes, such as the recording of information, are not of the highest possible standard and this is something we have already started to look at.
“We are pleased the HMICFRS has recognised we have good measures in place to oversee the safe and respectful provision of custody.
“It’s also good to see the acknowledgement of the good work of our custody staff in relation to how they deal with detainees respectfully, patiently, and reassuringly, recognising the array of diverse needs.”
Two teenage girls are to appear in court after police officers were allegedly assaulted in McDonald’s in Harrogate.
The incident happened at the restaurant on Cambridge Road on April 1 this year.
North Yorkshire Police said two community support officers were allegedly assaulted while responding to an incident at around 7pm.
A 13 year-old and 15-year-old girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, have been charged and will appear in court on October 28.
Read more:
-
Police recruitment won’t be felt ‘for years to come’, says chief constable
-
Teen girl referred to youth panel after Harrogate McDonald’s police attack
- Two PCSOs seriously injured after attack in Harrogate McDonald’s
Another girl, 14, was referred to a youth outcomes panel following the incident and was dealt with by an out of court police disposal.
The panel, which is a partnership between police, North Yorkshire Youth Justice Service and York Youth Offending Team, decides what action, if any, is most appropriate to pursue.
It encourages a restorative approach with victims and looks to address the causes of the young person’s offending.
Harrogate’s Nelson Inn on the lookout for recruits ahead of grand reopening
This article is sponsored by Brunning & Price.
When the opportunity to inject a new lease of life into an historic Harrogate pub arose, Sam Aston jumped at the chance.
The new manager has moved to the town from the Isle of Wight with her six-year-old Bouvier des Flanders dog, Bear.
She will be leading a new team at the 18th century Nelson Inn pub, near Hampsthwaite, which is set to reopen in November.
Sam brings with her a wealth of experience, having been in hospitality her whole life, and she is “chomping at the bit” to get open.
She said:
“I am so excited to take up my new role in this beautiful, historic inn, which dates back to 1776.
“Customers can expect a warm welcome, good cask beers, freshly cooked food, delicious and affordable wine and a good shelf of malt whiskies and gins. A gluten-free menu will also be available.
“I love to try to new food and local beers and gins and I can’t wait until we launch our fantastic new menu.
“I also really enjoy walking with Bear in the countryside, so the location of the inn is perfect as there are so many lovely walks to explore in the area.
“I’m really looking forward to opening in November.”
New pub manager at the Nelson Inn, Sam, with her dog Bear.
The Nelson Inn, just off Skipton Road, was first built in 1776 and was a private house until the early 19th century.
It was given its name following Nelson’s victory during the Battle of Trafalgar.
It has been taken over by Brunning and Price, which has a portfolio of 80 pub restaurants, including the Highwayman in Kirkby Lonsdale and the Bull at Broughton.
A major restoration and refurbishment of the inn is currently underway.
Join the team
The Nelson is now looking for staff to join Sam and the team, with a range of exciting opportunities available.
They include roles in management, as well as chefs, front of house, cleaners and gardeners.
Part time and flexible hours are available and full training will be offered.
Brunning and Price will be hosting recruitment days at Killinghall Village Hall on Thursday, October 13 and Friday, October 14.
A further open day will be held on October 20.
For more information on the recruitment day and jobs available, email recruitment@brunningandprice.co.uk.
Traffic and Travel Alert: Harrogate district traffic updateTrain passengers in the Harrogate district will be hit by disruption to services this weekend.
Northern and LNER services face strike action tomorrow, which will see no services operate to Leeds and York.
Here is your Stray Ferret traffic update.
Roads
Traffic is moving as normal during rush hour on Wetherby Road, Knaresborough Road and Skipton Road this morning.
However, the A59 York Road, between Station Road and the A658 at Goldsborough, remains closed overnight until October 6.
The closure will be in place between 8pm and 5am while North Yorkshire County Council carries out resurfacing work.
A diversion will be in place via Knaresborough, Ferrensby, Minskip to Boroughbridge.
As previously reported, a main road out of Pateley Bridge will be closed for six weeks as repairs are carried out at Fellbeck bridge on the B6265.
Signs for a diversion and a temporary crossing over the river for pedestrians and cyclists are in place.
Trains and buses
No Northern and LNER trains will run from Harrogate and Knaresborough to York and Leeds tomorrow due to strike action.
Commuters will face further industrial action on Wednesday (October 5) and next Saturday (October 8) which may affect services from Harrogate and Knaresborough.
Northern, which operates the services, has urged passengers not to travel on strike days.
The company has also urged people to check for disruption before they travel on Sunday (October 2) as some services may still be affected.
The strike action comes as rail passengers have also been warned to expect disruption on Harrogate’s LNER services from October 1 until October 9.
Major engineering works in the Newcastle area by Network Rail will affect many services on the LNER route during this period.
Today, Northern services between Harrogate and Knaresborough going to York and Leeds are scheduled to run as normal.
Meanwhile, the Harrogate Bus Company is reporting no cancellations on its services this morning.
You can find out more on the disruption to services here.
Read more:
- Northern’s new timetable includes early Harrogate to Leeds trains
- LNER warns of nine days of disruption to Harrogate trains
Traffic and Travel Alert: Harrogate district traffic update
Commuters should be aware of upcoming rail strikes in the Harrogate district which will see no trains run on Saturday.
Meanwhile, planned roadworks remain in place across the district which may cause delays for drivers.
Here is your Stray Ferret traffic update.
Roads
Traffic is moving as normal during rush hour on Wetherby Road, Knaresborough Road and Skipton Road this morning.
However, temporary traffic lights remain in place on the A661 Harrogate Road between Harrogate and Spofforth, which may cause delays for drivers heading towards Wetherby.
Northern Gas Networks are carrying out maintenance work on the route. The lights will be in place until September 30.
The A59 York Road, between Station Road and the A658 at Goldsborough, will be closed overnight until October 6.
The closure will be in place between 8pm and 5am while North Yorkshire County Council carries out resurfacing work.
A diversion will be in place via Knaresborough, Ferrensby, Minskip to Boroughbridge.
As previously reported, a main road out of Pateley Bridge will be closed for six weeks as repairs are carried out at Fellbeck bridge on the B6265.
Signs for a diversion and a temporary crossing over the river for pedestrians and cyclists are in place.
Northern Gas Networks has implemented a road closure on Montpellier Road until September 30 as part of maintenance work.
Trains and buses
Northern services between Harrogate and Knaresborough going to York and Leeds are scheduled to run as normal this morning.
However, no Northern trains will run from Harrogate and Knaresborough to York and Leeds on Saturday due to strike action.
Commuters will face further industrial action on Wednesday (October 5) and next Saturday (October 8) which may affect services from Harrogate and Knaresborough.
Northern, which operates the services, has urged passengers not to travel on strike days.
The strike action comes as rail passengers have also been warned to expect disruption on Harrogate’s LNER services from October 1 until October 9.
Major engineering works in the Newcastle area by Network Rail will affect many services on the LNER route during this period.
Meanwhile, the Harrogate Bus Company is reporting cancellations on its 36 service this morning.
You can find out more on the disruption to services here.
Read more:
- Northern’s new timetable includes early Harrogate to Leeds trains
- LNER warns of nine days of disruption to Harrogate trains
Business Breakfast: Harrogate district hotels win national awards
Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal.
Two hotels in the Harrogate district have won national awards.
Grantley Hall in Ripon won hotel of the year for 2022/23 at the AA Hotel and Hospitality Awards.
Meanwhile, Swinton Estate near Masham won the sustainable award at the ceremony, which was held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
Iain Shelton, chief executive at Swinton, said:
“We are delighted to be recognised for the work we are doing and look forward with working with the AA over the next 12 months in championing sustainability and launching their new initiatives.”
Read more:
- Business Breakfast: Free course to boost start-up businesses in Harrogate district
- Business Breakfast: Harrogate law firm facilitates Norwich City FC deal
Harrogate firm awarded £762,522 for heat pump project
A Harrogate company has been awarded £762,522 of government funding to carry out a project to make heat pumps cheaper.
GenGame, which is based at Hornbeam Park, has outlined a scheme to use data from smart meters to help optimise the running of a heat pump in a household energy system.
The project comes as part of funding from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
A total of 24 projects in England and Scotland have won funding in the second round of the Heat Pump Ready programme.
Lord Callanan, business and energy minister, said:
Missing man from Harrogate district found safe“In light of rising global gas and oil prices, getting low-carbon heating technology into homes is a priority for this government as it will help households ditch the costly fossil fuels that are driving up bills.
“Heat pumps are a proven, reliable technology that uses cheaper renewable energy produced in the UK.”
A missing man from the Harrogate district has been found safe.
North Yorkshire Police issued an appeal this afternoon for information to find the man, who was last seen leaving his home on Tuesday this week.
But the force reported tonight that the man had been traced.
We have therefore updated this article and removed the man’s name and photo.
Some good news!
The 40 year old man from the Harrogate area has been found safe and well.
Thank you for your support with the appeal. pic.twitter.com/7YlsbsISE7
— North Yorkshire Police (@NYorksPolice) September 28, 2022
Read more
- Last chance to comment on proposed Harrogate Fire Station changes
- Councillors have ‘major concerns’ about plans to reduce Harrogate fire engines
Yorkshire Water gives £70 account payments to low-income households
Yorkshire Water is to give low-income households in the Harrogate district £70 payments to help with the cost of living crisis.
The company announced today it will automatically award the payment to customers on its social tariffs.
It comes as people across the district has seen energy bills increase and the price of goods and services hike with inflation.
Yorkshire Water said that up to 45,000 people will receive an automatic discount on their bills. However, it also estimates that a further 200,000 could be eligible for support.
Angie Markham–Nock, customer support manager at Yorkshire Water, said:
“We know a lot of customers are worried about money at the moment and we’re seeing more people than ever benefit from our financial support schemes. We hope this £70 payment will provide some relief to households across Yorkshire this year.
“We don’t want our customers to worry about paying their next bill – our financial support schemes are there to help and can provide some relief to those who need it.”
The company has urged people who may be eligible for a discount to get in touch. You can find out more information on the support on water bills here.
Read more:
- Yorkshire Water’s grim outlook for Fewston Reservoir in 50 years
- Swinsty Reservoir parking machines approved
Harrogate estate agents sees renewed interest in self-build homes
This story is sponsored by Linley & Simpson.
A Harrogate estate agency has seen renewed interest in the number of people looking to follow the European trend and build their own home.
The new homes department at Linley & Simpson believes there is a growing appetite in the community to take advantage of this approach amid the cost of living crisis.
As a result, it has launched a new research project to pinpoint how big the interest is.
On the continent, around one-in-three homes are self or custom build – yet in England, the figure is less than 10%.
In Harrogate district, even fewer are following this trend with government statistics showing that just 95 planning permissions for serviced plots have been granted since ministers launched the Right to Build initiative in 2016.
The legislation was designed to address concerns about affordability, and make it easier for people who wanted to build or commission their own home.
David Waddington, director of new homes at Linley & Simpson, said the cost benefits of self-build, coupled with a greater choice of prime plots coming to the market across Harrogate district, has recently increased the appeal of buying and building a personalised home in this way.
He said:
“According to the National Custom and Self Build Association, England has the lowest proportion of self-build homes in the developed world.
“There are big differences in the popularity of self-build across the UK but we believe there is a growing appetite for the concept across the Harrogate district.
“Our aim is to try to identify the size of this hidden demand.
“Much of the interest is location driven – demand for property in Harrogate is high enough for people to choose this route in order to get their dream home in the right place.
“It’s also being spurred on by cost of living pressures and rising inflation as there are significant stamp duty savings with self-build, as you are only buying the value of the land and not a complete house.
“Plots are usually available in rural, semi-rural and suburban areas so there’s no shortage of choice. And roads, sewers and services will already be connected so it’s a real turnkey solution, ready for immediate use.”
Many neighbouring areas have seen far greater numbers of self-build projects – Hambleton, for example, has had 124 in the same timescale while further afield, Cherwell in Oxfordshire reports almost 6,000.
In 2021, more than 12,000 people joined the Right to Build registers, which helps aspiring custom and self-builders find plots – a year-on-year increase of 31%.