Local Liberal Democrats said the Chancellor’s job support scheme comes “too little too late” for Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Rishi Sunak announced further support for part time workers yesterday ahead of the furlough scheme finishing in October.

As part of the billion pounds worth of measures, the government will top up wages for workers covering up to two-thirds of their hours for the next six months.

But local Lib Dems said the scheme did not go far enough to protect events, tourism and hospitality businesses.

Read more:

• Harrogate hospitality businesses welcome Chancellor’s winter support
• Conference sector ‘cut adrift’, says Harrogate events company

Judith Rogerson, local Lib Dem parliamentary spokesperson, said the party had been campaigning on the issue for months and criticised local MP, Andrew Jones, for “showing a lack of leadership”.

She said:

“Harrogate & Knaresborough’s MP should be standing up for his constituents and taking stance on important issues. Instead, he has once again demonstrated a total lack of local leadership.

“Local businesses that cannot afford to pay a third of wages to their staff will inevitably be forced to make significant numbers redundant. I am thinking in particular about the events industry where it is at present almost impossible to earn any income. We know how crucial this sector is to our local economy here in Harrogate.

“What’s more, the announcement said nothing about the millions of people who have been excluded from Government support throughout the Covid pandemic. The Chancellor’s announcement is welcome but it doesn’t go far enough to protect jobs and incomes.”

In response to the Chancellor, Mr Jones said he welcomed the scheme to support workers.

He said:

“Our country is not facing the economy of March, when we were at the height of the strict lockdown. So as the economic situation changes and the need changes, the support package evolves.  I welcome the package, and said so in the House.  Business groups have welcomed it too.

“I am particularly pleased that the Chancellor has sought to protect jobs in the tourism and hospitality sectors further by retaining the lower 5% VAT rate until the end of March. These sectors are important to Harrogate & Knaresborough, and we need them to be strong in the coming months as that helps our whole area.”

North Yorkshire Police has arrested 15 people and visited 64 vulnerable people during a week-long crackdown on county lines drug dealing.

As part of an effort led by the National Crime Agency and Regional Organised Crime Units, 14 men and one 17-year-old boy were arrested in the county.

The arrests included three men who were intercepted by plain clothed officers on Montpellier Hill in Harrogate. Officers also seized large amounts of heroin and cash when searching the suspects.

One man is also awaiting a crown court trial after being charged with supplying heroin and possessing criminal property in Harrogate.

Officers also made arrests in Keighley and Skipton during the crackdown.

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The 15 suspects were arrested on suspicion of various offences ranging from supplying heroin to possessing cash obtained through criminality.

Officers also helped to support vulnerable people, including those who are forced to travel from town to town selling drugs or who were victims of what is known as “cuckooing”. This is where vulnerable people, often drug users or those with mental or physical disabilities, are forced into allowing drug dealers to stay in their homes which are then used as a base to store and sell drugs.

Police also worked with British Transport Police to target people using the rail network to bring drugs into North Yorkshire from towns outside of the county and to raise awareness among passengers of exploitation and signs to look out for.

Chief Inspector Emma Aldred of North Yorkshire Police said: 

“County lines continues to be a key priority for North Yorkshire Police. This past week of action throws a spotlight on what is going on throughout the year to disrupt drug dealing and safeguard vulnerable people.

“The patrols and visits also allow us to gather valuable information that is used to build up a picture of what is happening in the area and forms part of a bigger picture that goes on to inform the action we take in the future.

“We urge people to continue to report any concerns they have about drug dealing or vulnerable people in their neighbourhood. We will take action.”

The exhibitions and conference sector has been “cut adrift” and left without support, says a Harrogate events company.

Andrew Manby, director of family events firm Joe Manby Ltd, said the Chancellor’s announcement today offered no specific support for the industry which already faces a “long way back” financially.

Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer, outlined billions of pounds’ worth of support for businesses, including subsiding part-time workers’ pay.

But Mr Manby said he had hoped for sector specific measures for an industry which has been closed down since March. Harrogate has seen a string of major events, conferences and exhibitions cancelled during the pandemic and its convention centre converted into a Nightingale Hospital.

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Mr Manby said today’s announcement did not appear to offer any ray of hope and added that the outlook was bleak for the sector.

He said:

“We need to reflect on what has been said, but on first glance it looks very grim indeed.

“it is an extremely difficult situation and where that leaves the exhibition market long term, I have no idea.

“It was always going to be a long haul back anyway.”

He added that further restrictions on events, which the Prime Minister said could last for six months, leave the industry in a difficult position. Live events, including sport, were due to have pilot events from October for the first time since the pandemic started.

But Prime Minister Boris Johnson abandoned the pilot schemes earlier this week after he outlined further restrictions to tackle an increase in coronavirus cases.

In an effort to offer more support to businesses, Mr Sunak outlined a range of measures in the House of Commons which included an extension to the VAT cut for the hospitality and tourism sector.

Some Harrogate businesses welcomed the move, but added that further support would be needed for other firms.

Hospitality owners in Harrogate have welcomed further help from Chancellor Rishi Sunak after he outlined billions of pounds’ worth of measures for the winter.

Mr Sunak announced an extension to VAT cuts for hospitality, a wage subsidy for part-time workers and more loans for struggling businesses.

Outlining his plans to the House of Commons today, he said the measures were designed to “protect jobs and the economy over the winter period”.

Among the announcements was a decision to subsides wages of workers who work shorter hours. The government will top up wages for workers covering up to two-thirds of their hours for the next six months.

Read more:

• Harrogate couple cancel wedding for third time
• Second lockdown would see Harrogate businesses face battle to survive, says chamber

It comes as the furlough scheme is set to finish at the end of October.

Kimberly Wilson, chair of Accommodation Harrogate, said the support for part-time workers would be welcomed by bed and breakfasts.

She said:

“That will be useful, especially going into November and December it will save jobs.

“But we need to get the full detail of how it is going to work to see how it will help us on the ground.”

Ms Wilson added that further support would be welcomed as B&Bs have seen trade affected by cancellations in conferences, exhibitions and events.

Further measures will also see the VAT cut for the hospitality sector extended until March. Amid the pandemic, the government cut the rate to 5% to support those in the hospitality and tourism sector.

Peter Banks, managing director at Rudding Park Hotel and Spa, said the measure would be useful but should be targeted at businesses which are struggling.

He said:

“If Rishi does this it would be superb. 

“It could be more targeted as it is conference, wedding and city centre businesses that are suffering. However, any help will be gratefully received.”

Mr Sunak told MPs that loans to support struggling businesses would be extended into November and offer terms of up to 10 years to reduce monthly payments.

Grants for the self-employed will also be offered into the winter.

A further 12 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the Harrogate district in the last 24 hours.

It is the highest daily increase for just over a week.

Today’s figures from Public Health England take the total number of cases in the district since the start of the pandemic to 945.

The North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum, which is a partnership of agencies tacking emergencies in the county, said today the Harrogate district had a weekly rate of 24 covid cases per 100,000 people up to September 20.

By comparison, the weekly rate for the same timeframe across the county as a whole was 26 per 100,000 population.

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Further restrictions, including a 10pm curfew for pubs, were announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson yesterday to tackle the increase in infections.

Last week, North Yorkshire declared a major incident amid an increase in cases in the county. 

Selby and Scarborough districts have also been listed as “areas of concern” by the government.

However, Harrogate District Hospital has not reported any deaths in patients with covid since July 19.

With devolution set to usher in a new elected mayor for North Yorkshire, what issues do local people want to see the new office tackle? 

The government has maintained it intends to publish a white paper on devolution this autumn despite concerns that covid and Brexit could de-rail it.

This means there could be an elected mayor covering the whole of North Yorkshire, or more if the county is split and run by more than one unitary authority.

In other areas with devolved authorities, mayors have taken initiatives into their own hands such as employment and public transport. 

For Cllr Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire County Council, this would be the start of benefits for the region.

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He told the Stray Ferret: 

“What we are going to get in principle is decision making more locally. At the moment, Whitehall are spending on our behalf. 

“We will also have an elected mayor and there is a good example in Ben Houchen. I no longer use Manchester and Birmingham as examples, you only need to look over at the Tees Valley.” 

Since becoming mayor in the Tees Valley, Mr Houchen has bought an old steelworks and an airport in an effort to boost employment. Meanwhile, Andy Burnham in Greater Manchester wants to overhaul the city’s bus network. 

Conservative Mayor of Tees Valley, Ben Houchen. Picture credit: Thames Valley Combined Authority.

The two mayors have sought to tackle issues in their areas by coming up with initiatives while in office. 

But North Yorkshire has its own issues which need to be tackled. So what would business owners in Harrogate do if they were mayor for the day? 

Peter Banks, managing director at Rudding Park Hotel and Spa, listed transport among his concerns. He said the connectivity was vital for this area and its tourism. 

He said: 

“Leeds Bradford Airport not having a train connection is ridiculous. We are never going to attract international flights from Dubai etc when the guests then have to get on a bus.  

“The road network to the airport is also somewhat dubious. 

“Compare LBA to Manchester airport and you can see why Manchester and the north west is a much more attractive destination for international guests.” 

Meanwhile, Simon Cotton, managing director at HRH Group, said he would look to tackle climate change, red tape and empty homes in the district. 

He said: 

“If I were mayor for the day, I’d introduce a ‘no car day’ once a month as a way of highlighting climate change, but also the many other benefits of a town free of cars. 

“I’d also cut through the mountains of red tape that is needed to put on any large outdoor event and entertainment and ensure there was an increase in the number of days that the Stray could be used for events so we make the most of this unique space whilst also importantly preserving it for years to come. 

“Finally, I’d implement fines to landlords who didn’t make an effort to fill empty shops in more creative ways to ensure they were used rather than empty, and if they were left empty for more than two years and especially if they had empty space above them. I would bring in a forced sale and conversion to housing.” 

Ian Gill, of the Knaresborough Chamber of Trade, said devolution should be an opportunity to take control of the town’s heritage. 

He said: 

“Chamber sees the advent of a new mayor as an opportunity for Knaresborough to be the hands-on guardians of our ancient natural and built heritage. 

“Chamber would like to see local control of our assets such as our ancient market, our medieval castle, Conyngham Hall, Knaresborough House, Royal Forest and our Nidd Gorge. This need not be a straight switch from Harrogate Borough Council to Knaresborough Town Council control, but the watch word should be ‘local’.

“If our new mayor can support the devolution of aspects of local life to local people and local groups, elected and voluntary, with the desire and expertise to deliver positive change, that would be a great advance.”

Five schools in the Harrogate district have recorded incidents of coronavirus since they reopened, county council bosses revealed today.

Stuart Carlton, director of children and young people services at North Yorkshire Council Council, said the cases involved seven pupils across the different schools.

As a result of the infections, three classes have been isolated.

The figures were revealed at a press briefing of the North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum, which is a partnership of agencies that responds to emergencies.

Mr Carlton said 31 schools in the county have suffered outbreaks, with 69 staff and pupils involved.

Read more:

• Harrogate Town kids coaching centre closes after covid case
• Second lockdown would see Harrogate businesses face battle to survive, says chamber

The Stray Ferret has reported coronavirus cases at St Aidan’s C of E High School, St John Fisher Catholic High School and Bilton Grange Primary School last week, as well as outbreaks at Harrogate Grammar School and Harrogate Ladies’ College.

Mr Carlton said the authority was “aware this would happen” and that parents should have confidence that schools are safe to go to. Mr Carlton said:

“We planned for this and we knew these things would happen. I am still confident about the measures we have in place.

“My message to parents would be you should have strong confidence that schools are safe places for children and we would encourage you to speak to your school if you are worried.”

Harrogate Town are preparing for a second trip to Wembley after reaching the FA Trophy Final.

Town clinched a place in the final after beating Notts County 1-0 at Meadow Lane last night.

Will Smith got the only goal of the game to defeat County as both sides met again just over a month since the National League Play-Off Final, which Harrogate also won.

Town will now play Concord Rangers at Wembley in the final, though a date is yet to be confirmed.

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The victory followed an announcement from Prime Minister Boris Johnson that a phased return of fans in October would be paused.

https://twitter.com/HarrogateTown/status/1308524021529620480?s=20

The FA had planned to hold both the FA Trophy and FA Vase Finals with up to 1,000 fans in attendance on September 27, but postponed the games earlier this month amid a rise in coronavirus cases.

Town boss, Simon Weaver, said he hoped to see supporters back in stadiums when they play in the final.

“We have had some difficult games along the way, but it was so important tonight that we did it for the supporters.

“Hopefully when it is Wembley time they will be allowed back in the stadiums.

“We said in the team talk ‘do it for the supporters tonight’.”

Meanwhile, Irving Weaver, chairman of Harrogate Town, said yesterday that clubs would reach a “cliff edge scenario” if a return of fans is delayed further.

He said:

“From mid-March through a normal close season we were helped by furloughing our employees. Now back into full swing anticipating fans returning, the black hole is upon us. Around thirty percent of a club’s total income is derived through the turnstiles. Without a subsidy the pain will be severe.

“I know that the government are well aware of the situation. Let us hope that there is help on the way, not just for football but for spectator sport in general.”

Harrogate Town and other football clubs face a “cliff edge scenario” if fans are not allowed back into stadiums for six months, Town’s chairman has warned.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson put plans for fans to return at the start of October on hold today when he announced further restrictions to tackle rising coronavirus infections.

Supporters were due to return to grounds in small numbers, with some Football League clubs trialling 1,000 fans at games last weekend.

Irving Weaver, Town chairman, has said his club and others could experience “severe pain” if their loss of income is not subsidised.

He said:

“Today’s statement by the Prime Minister was not unexpected but if there is a further six months delay before we can allow fans into our stadiums then we are running into a cliff edge scenario.

“From mid-March through a normal close season we were helped by furloughing our employees. Now back into full swing anticipating fans returning, the black hole is upon us. Around thirty percent of a club’s total income is derived through the turnstiles. Without a subsidy the pain will be severe.

“I know that the government are well aware of the situation. Let us hope that there is help on the way, not just for football but for spectator sport in general.”

Read more:

• Harrogate Town’s ground renamed ‘EnviroVent Stadium’

• Harrogate Town sign defender Dan Jones and keeper Melvin Minter

Mr Johnson told MPs it would not be possible for fans to return to stadiums from 1 October. He added:

“I recognise the implications for our sports clubs, which are the life and soul of our communities.

“The Chancellor and the Culture Secretary are working urgently on what we can do now to support them.”

The Prime Minister added the restrictions could remain in place for six months.

Shrewsbury Town were among those to take part in a pilot last weekend with 1,000 supporters present for the first time since March.

A devolution deal for North Yorkshire could be at risk and clarity is needed on the future of local government, says North Yorkshire County Council’s leader.

Cllr Carl Les told the Stray Ferret that he was “hopeful” that a deal could still be put on the table.

But he added there were concerns the government is considering delaying publishing a white paper on devolution amid the coronavirus pandemic and Brexit negotiations.

A meeting between Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Mr Jenrick was due to take place today over devolution.

Ministers approached the council leaders in the county in July over devolved powers. Former local government minister Simon Clarke – who resigned earlier this month – made it a requirement to shake up the current council structure ahead of any devolution bid.

Councils were supposed to be invited to submit plans for a restructure of local government on September 7.

Read more:

• Devolution: good or bad for local voices in planning?

• Harrogate council backs £2bn devolution proposals

But Cllr Les said the authority is still waiting for a letter of invitation from ministers to lodge the new authority plans.

Following a meeting with the County Council Network, which represents county councils across the country, council leaders agreed that the current situation “was not helpful”.

As a result, Cllr Les wrote to Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for Local Government, last Friday urging him for clarity and to express his “deepest concerns” over a potential deal.

North Yorkshire County Council leader, Carl Les.

He said that county council leaders were “despondent” at the current position, with some, including Surrey County Council’s leader, fearing plans for reform were “dead”.

In his letter to Mr Jenrick, Cllr Les said:

Cllr Les said he had also sent a private note to both the Prime Minister and the Chancellor over the issue.

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The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government maintained that it will set out “detailed plans” in the white paper this Autumn.

A spokesperson said: 

“We want to decentralise giving more power to local communities, providing opportunities for them to enjoy devolution. There will be no blanket abolishment of district councils and no top-down restructuring of local government.

“The devolution white paper, which will be published this Autumn, will set out our detailed plans and we continue to work closely with local areas to establish solutions to local government reform.”

What was the timetable for devolution?

The two camps – district councils and county council – have to wait for an invitation from government to submit their proposals. 

Once that is done, the government will choose its preferred option and consult with the public, councils and other public bodies on that model. 

Once the minister has received all the responses, he will decide on whether to set up a new authority. 

To do this, the government will have to pass a piece of legislation through Parliament to create the new authority. No new council will be created until it is approved.

Councils do not get another vote on the new authority – the process is handled by Parliament.

While no specific timetable has been set for the reorganisation, government had told council officials that they would like to see a new authority by 2022. 

County council bosses are confident that their model could meet this timescale, but the districts believe it is more likely that a new authority would be in place by 2023.