County council to set aside £34 million for devolution transition

North Yorkshire County Council is to earmark £34 million to fund a transition to a new super authority.

Secretary of State Robert Jenrick made the seismic decision last month to abolish the eight councils in North Yorkshire and set up a unitary authority for the entire county.

A consultants report written by PricewaterhouseCoopers on behalf of the county council showed the new authority will cover 618,000 people and could cost up to £38 million to set up.

As a result, council officials have now recommended setting up a transition fund. Other authorities who have been replaced by a new council have faced costs over staffing, IT replacement and refurbishment of council-owned property.

A report due before senior county councillors next Tuesday (August 31) outlines the sources of funding.

A total of £34.2 million is to be set aside by the authority, but contributions will be requested from the remaining seven districts.

The council said it will pay for the fund partly through its covid reserve, which stands at £20.5 million.

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Officials had set up the covid fund to help pay for any losses incurred by the pandemic. However, it has now received funding from government to help cover those costs.

A report due before county councillors said:

“In reality, receipts were much more buoyant and the government later announced a grant scheme to compensate for these losses on top of our internal provision. 

“The whole of this reserve is therefore available as funding towards the transitional costs.”

A total of £10 million from the council’s corporate contingency budget and £946,000 from other reserves will also be used, as well as £2.8 million budgeted from this financial quarter.

The move to a single council for the entirety of North Yorkshire is set to come into force by April 2023.

Letters published by the government showed that Mr Jenrick rejected an alternative proposal for two councils because it would have been too risky and was not “credible” geographically.

Harrogate district records 57 covid cases

Another 57 covid cases have been reported in the Harrogate district, according to latest Public Health England figures.

Meanwhile, Harrogate District Hospital is currently treating nine patients for covid.

Harrogate hospital has recorded no covid deaths in the last 24 hours, according to NHS England statistics.

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It means the death toll at the hospital from covid since March 2020 stands at 180.

The district’s weekly rate stands at 323 per 100,000 people.

The North Yorkshire rate stands at 306 and the England average is 327.

Elsewhere, 123,906 people have received a first covid vaccine in the Harrogate district and 111,605 have had a second dose.

Harrogate district covid rate increases for sixth day in a row

The Harrogate district’s coronavirus infection rate has risen for six days in a row for the first time since last month, latest figures show.

The borough’s weekly rate has now climbed to 346 cases per 100,000 people in the first significant increase since mid-July when it reached record levels of 533.

After peaking at these heights, the rate fell steadily then “plateaued” around the 270 mark before this latest increase.

It comes as Harrogate hospital last week reported the death of a coronavirus patient for the first time in more than four months. 

The death was reported on August 16 and brought the hospital’s toll since the pandemic began up to 180.

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Meanwhile, government guidelines on self-isolating have now changed with people who have been fully vaccinated no longer needing to self-isolate 14 days after their second dose.

Richard Flinton, chief executive of North Yorkshire County Council, said: 

“Despite the lifting of some restrictions on self-isolating, we ask that people are still mindful of others and remember the guidance that is still in place.

“This includes self-isolating and getting a PCR test if you have any Covid symptoms – even if you have had both doses of the vaccine – and continuing with basic but important hygiene measures such as hand washing.”

He added: 

“In North Yorkshire, 514,000 people have now had their second dose of the vaccine and 75 per cent of 18 to 29 year olds have had their first dose of the vaccine.

“The vaccination of 16 and 17 year olds has also now begun with 18% in the county already vaccinated with their first dose. This is great progress and we hope to see this number climb even higher as weeks go on.”

Elsewhere in North Yorkshire, Ryedale has the highest weekly infection rate with 377 cases per 100,000 people, while Hambleton has the lowest in the county at 230.

Appeal after rare motorbike stolen in Harrogate

Police are appealing for information after a motorbike was stolen in Harrogate and the attempted theft of another one.

The first was taken from an address on St Georges Road at around 2:30am before being abandoned.

North Yorkshire Police is looking for information on four men who are believed to have attended an address on South Park Road, Harrogate at 3:20am where a rare, Aprilia RS250 Mk2 was stolen.

The force said the motorbike has a distinctive bubbling to the surface of the fuel tank which should distinguish it from similar bikes.

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A police statement added:

“Officers are appealing to anyone in the area including residents with CCTV or doorbell video, and passing motorists with dashcam footage. to check their devices in case the suspects have been captured on camera.

“In particular, they are appealing to anyone who saw four  males acting suspiciously at this time.

Anyone with information or footage  that could assist the investigation should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for PC Dean Barrett, collar number 1573.

“You can also email dean.Barrett@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

“If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12210185790.”

Harrogate Town to return to action after covid outbreak

Harrogate Town are set to return to action today after a covid outbreak set back the start of the club’s League Two campaign.

Town will face Barrow at the EnviroVent Stadium, two weeks since the club last played against Rochdale in their opening game.

The outbreak forced the club to postpone two EFL fixtures and forfeit a Carabao Cup tie against Rochdale.

Five players tested positive and others had to self-isolate as a result of the outbreak.

Manager Simon Weaver said on Thursday that the postponed fixtures were frustrating, but added that the players were now through the worst of it.

“Initially it was a feeling of frustrating and deflation really. We’d come off the back of a really good opening day win and the circumstances of a last minute winner from Warren as well. It was a blow but it’s not insurmountable.

“Covid is part of our everyday life now so people getting it wasn’t a total surprise and I think we’ve reacted strongly to it. The players have rested up and come through the worse of it now and we’re looking forward to a couple days training and a big game.”

Not using covid as an excuse

Town returned to training on Thursday morning following the enforced break, which saw games against Crawley and Leyton Orient rearranged.

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Weaver said the players would have two sessions ahead of Barrow, but would not use covid as an excuse for the short preparation.

He said:

“I think we don’t use covid as an excuse, no matter what.

“We’re firmly focused on the game and we’ve got that excitement in our stomach like how it was on the opening day.

“The crowd were exhilarating on that day and really lifted us all so we’re really looking forward to getting back home and that’s the lucky thing about it, the first game back is at home – a place we’ve got very good recent memories of.”

Simon Weaver after the win against Rochdale on the opening game of the season. Picture: Matt Kirkham, Harrogate Town.

Simon Weaver after the win against Rochdale on the opening game of the season. Picture: Matt Kirkham, Harrogate Town.

Weaver expects a physical game

Both Barrow and Harrogate Town were promoted from the National League in 2019/20, but Town got the upper hand over the Cumbrian side last season.

Jack Muldoon scored both goals in two 1-0 wins over Barrow in both clubs inaugural season in the EFL.

Barrow will be without striker Dimitri Sea, Jamie Devitt, midfielder Mike Jones and Tom Beadling for today’s clash.

Sea will remain on the sidelines as Barrow follow concussion protocols and Devitt has a thigh injury.

Jones is short of fitness and Beadling faces a long period out due to a partial tear to his crucial ligament.

Town manager Weaver said he expects Barrow to be more physical this season.

He said:

“They’re up for it and I think a bit more physical this season, and under Mark Cooper they have a lot of experience.

“But, we also think we have a lot in our ranks which can allow us to have a real good go at them and play our way. It’ll be great to have the fans behind us like against Rochdale and to win would be great, especially in the circumstances.”

Another 75 covid cases reported in Harrogate district

Another 75 covid cases have been reported in the Harrogate district, according to latest Public Health England figures.

Meanwhile, Harrogate District Hospital is currently treating nine patients for covid.

Harrogate hospital has recorded no covid deaths in the last 24 hours. However, earlier this week it reported its first covid death in four months.

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It means the death toll at the hospital from covid since March 2020 stands at 180.

The district’s weekly rate has increased to 323 per 100,000 people.

The North Yorkshire rate stands at 296 and the England average is 320.

Elsewhere, 123,810 people have received a first covid vaccine in the Harrogate district and 110,396 have had a second dose.

Harrogate district pub pays staff to get double vaccinated

A Harrogate district pub is paying its staff to get double covid vaccinated in an effort to prevent further closure and keep its team healthy.

Graham Usher, co-owner of The Inn at South Stainley, has put a £100 incentive for staff to have their two covid jabs.

Those who get double vaccinated will receive the payment after their second vaccine.

Mr Usher, who employs 50 people across three sites, said the move to incentivise staff would help with both health and keeping the pub open.

He said:

“It’s cheaper for us to incentivise the team and keep the pub open.

“It’s a much better way to do this, rather than force everyone [to get the vaccine] it is up to them.”

Mr Usher added that the payment also incentivises younger staff to get the vaccinated.

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As of Monday, all 16 and 17 year olds will be offered a first dose of a covid vaccine.

Keeping the pub open

Mr Usher, who took over the pub with his co-owner Matt Rose in April, said The Inn had so far coped well with the so-called “pingdemic”.

He said one or two staff had been told to self-isolate, but the pub had largely managed.

Under new rules introduced on Monday, those who are fully vaccinated are not required to self-isolate when pinged by the NHS covid app.

Some hospitality businesses had to close under the old system after staff were forced to isolate.

Mr Usher added that he hoped that staff getting double jabbed would help prevent the pub from closing due to staff isolation.

Harrogate council ends recruitment freeze but hiring staff now a ‘real challenge’

Harrogate Borough Council has ended a recruitment freeze more than a year after it was introduced to keep costs down during the covid pandemic.

After halting hiring in May 2020, the council has now begun recruiting again for vacant roles including lifeguards and receptionists as the freeze is “no longer sustainable”.

However, some non-critical posts will still be kept on hold as services continue to make a gradual return from lockdown.

Cllr Graham Swift, deputy leader and cabinet member for resources, enterprise and economic development, said it is “encouraging” that recruitment is now underway but he admitted it will be challenging due to local government reforms which will mean the council is abolished by April 2023.

Speaking at a meeting on Wednesday, he said: 

“Throughout coronavirus the council has made enormous sacrifices in taking salary and recruitment freezes, leaving significant shortfalls in key roles.

“I’m very encouraged now that as we come out of coronavirus we will start to see more services restoring to normal levels.

“We have a number of vacancies, some of them senior positions and critical, and as we go out to advertise we need to be sensitive to the fact that local government reform will put pressure on filling those.”

Under the reforms, North Yorkshire’s district councils and the county council will be scrapped to make way for a new unitary authority which will take over control of all council services.

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There are questions over what the major changes will mean for the 10,000 local government staff across North Yorkshire but until then recruitment will remain a challenge as councils try to fill posts which could soon cease to exist.

As well as the recruitment freeze, the borough council also shrunk its workforce by around 60 jobs and redeployed staff into under-pressure services as part of its Covid response.

Leisure centres were particularly affected by this with staff numbers at one stage being a third down earlier during the pandemic and services yet to make a full return due to ongoing staffing shortages.

Cllr Stanley Lumley, cabinet member for culture, tourism and sport, said recruitment was now a “real challenge” with leisure centres currently having around 27 vacancies as a result of the recruitment problems which span across the country.

He said:

“We have struggled at times to open all our venues at the same time but as we increase the number of staff we will get back to normal services as soon as we can.

“It is something which we are working extremely hard to address and we are looking at recruiting from all avenues.”

At Wednesday’s meeting, council leader Richard Cooper also repeated warnings that services including leisure centres and bin collections could face disruptions due to staff self-isolating as covid cases remain high across the district.

He said: 

“A few weeks ago we notified the public that like lots of other local and national companies we are having recruitment issues with the so-called pingdemic.

“That warning we gave still stands because we are not out of the woods yet.”

Beech Grove closure: County council receives 600-signature petition

North Yorkshire County Council officials are to investigate a low traffic neighbourhood scheme on Beech Grove after a 600-signature petition was handed in to the authority.

Residents have raised concern that the closure to through traffic on the road and Lancaster Road is inconvenient, pushes traffic elsewhere and that very little notice was given over the decision.

A consultation on the scheme closed this past weekend, but it will remain in place as a trial until August 2022.

However, the county council is now set to investigate and debate the matter after 655 people signed a petition calling for the scheme to be scrapped.

In response, the county council said:

“The matter has been referred to the council’s highways service for investigation. They will contact the petitioner directly. 

“As over 500 signatures have been received, the petitioner is also able under the council petition scheme to attend a meeting of the Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Constituency Committee and have the matter debated.”

Anna McIntee, a Harrogate resident and co-founder of the Harrogate Residents’ Association, launched the petition after she believed the scheme only pushed traffic elsewhere in the town.

She told the Stray Ferret:

“The changes to Beech Grove and Lancaster Road affect the day to day lives of so many residents and locals, who use this road and surrounding the area. Many people rely on their cars.

“We need to see the data that cycling has increased since the trial LTN introduction in February of this year.

“Grant Shapps said himself ‘’I’ve set out tough new conditions to ensure these schemes are properly consulted on and that evidence of this is shown before schemes are rolled out. Plus monitoring reports are submitted after the schemes open to clearly show how they have been modified based on local feedback.’’.

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However, Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive county councillor for access, said previously that the scheme had been successful in freeing up road space for up for cyclists and pedestrians.

He added that there was a “good chance” of the low traffic neighbourhood becoming permanent.

Cllr Mackenzie said:

“Its been successful. There’s been views in both directions but most residents have accepted it as a positive.

“I see it continuing after 18 months. It’s a part of town where we are making changes to sustainable travel. I can see the Low Traffic Neighbourhood remaining in place formally.”

Jeff Stelling to march from Harrogate Town in aid of prostate cancer

Well-known Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling is set to march from Harrogate to Leeds in aid of Prostate Cancer UK this month.

Jeff, who is known for anchoring Sky’s Soccer Saturday coverage, has raised more than £1 million for the men’s health charity and has taken part in four marches since 2016.

This year, he is set to walk from Harrogate Town’s EnvioVent Stadium to Elland Road in Leeds via Kirk Deighton Rangers and Leeds Rhinos.

The stop at Kirk Deighton will be poignant as the club was home to Yorkshireman Lloyd Pinder, who sadly died of the disease last year after striking up a firm friendship with Stelling.

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The walk, which is taking place on August 31, will be one of four walking marathons he takes part in.

Jeff said:

“Covid has had a horrific impact on lives across the UK, but prostate cancer has not gone away. In fact it’s now more important than ever that we support men and their loved ones.

“One in eight men in the UK will get prostate cancer in their lifetime. I deal in stats, but that one still shocks me. This is our dads, partners, brothers, grandads, uncles and friends.

“That’s why I wear the Prostate Cancer UK ‘Man of Men’ badge. That’s why we’ve marched across the UK three times, helping raise more than £1 million for crucial research to beat prostate cancer.”

Jeff has invited 400 football fans to take part in his walking marathons, including the walk to Elland Road, to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK.

For more information on how to sign up, visit prostatecanceruk.org/jeffsmarch.