Harrogate district town councils to be invited to take on more powers

Town and parish councils in the Harrogate district are to be invited to propose taking on more powers when local government undergoes its biggest shake-up for almost 50 years.

North Yorkshire Council will take charge of all local government in the county on April 1. The seven district councils, including Harrogate Borough Council, and North Yorkshire County Council, will be abolished.

Under a pilot scheme, lower-tier authorities will be offered the chance to manage more local services as part of a “double devolution” approach designed to prevent too much power being centralised at Northallerton.

It could see Ripon City Council, Knaresborough Town Council, Pateley Bridge Town Council and others in North Yorkshire take on more powers over assets and services.

Harrogate currently does not have a town council.

As part of the plan, county council officials will write to parish authorities by the end of this month inviting them to submit expressions of interest.

From there, six councils will be picked to develop a business case.

In a report due before the county council’s executive on November 8, Neil Irving, assistant director of partnerships, said:

“Double devolution is entirely separate from the proposed devolution deal between the government and the local authorities in York and North Yorkshire.

“Double devolution has operated for over 10 years in some other parts of the country, including Cornwall and Wiltshire. 

“There is also significant experience of existing councils in North Yorkshire successfully transferring services and assets to community groups and to town and parish councils.”

Councils will be able to propose taking on a wide range of assets and services, rather than picking from a list.

However, the county council intends to make it clear that proposals to take on decision making powers, such as planning or traffic regulation, will not be considered.

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It would also not consider “expressions of interest with regard to services and assets that generate a significant net income for the new council”.

Once invited, local councils will have until March 2023 to express an interest in taking on more services.

‘More things done at a local level’

The move comes as county council officials proposed offering parish authorities more powers in August 2020.

Cllr Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire County Council, pledged to offer more powers for people to “get more things done at a local level”.

He said at the time:

“We believe this double devolution which passports powers from Whitehall to the town hall and the town hall to the village hall is an exciting prospect.

“We are seeking more powers from the government, but we want more powers to be devolved to the very local area as well. We want to bring people together to get more things done at a local level.”

Harrogate hospital well below urgent cancer referral target

Just 43% of urgent cancer referrals to Harrogate District Hospital are being seen on time, according to new figures.

Under national targets, 93% of cancer patients are required to see a specialist within two weeks of an urgent GP referral.

But Harrogate hospital’s performance is now significantly below this.

A report to the trust’s board, which includes figures up to August this year, shows how the figure for two-week waits has been in gradual decline since April.

Managers at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust have attributed to the decline to increased demand.

The matter has seen officials at the trust designate the performance under “matters of concern and risks to escalate”.

The trust said in board papers that additional breast clinic work to improve its performance included “outsourcing work to a private provider with additional clinics in place”.

Harrogate District Hospital's two-week cancer waiting time performance. Data: Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust.

Harrogate District Hospital’s two-week cancer waiting time performance. Data: Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust.

The Stray Ferret asked the trust what was being done to improve waiting times for patients.

A spokesperson said:

“The two-week target performance for cancer has been affected by some large spikes in demand, in particular, specialty areas such as skin and breast cancer.

“Our clinical teams are providing additional clinics to address this and bring our waits back under the two-week target.

“For those patients who are unable to be seen within two weeks, the vast majority are seen just outside this target, and treatments, where cancer is confirmed, continue to be delivered in a timely manner.”

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Parish councils fear new Harrogate district town will be rushed and poor quality

Seven neighbouring parish councils have jointly raised concerns about the quality of the proposed new town in the Harrogate district.

Harrogate Borough Council is running a six-week consultation until November 14 on plans to create a new settlement called Maltkiln, which will be roughly the size of Thirsk. Up to 4,000 homes could be built.

The consultation sets out a 30-year vision and policy framework on how the site is designed and developed and proceeds any formal planning application.

Parish councils representing Moor Monkton, Nun Monkton, Tockwith, Whixley, Green Hammerton, Kirk Hammerton, Hunsingore, Great Ribston with Walshford and Cattal met last week to consider a joint response.

A summary of their response describes the documents residents are being urged to comment on as “technical and jargon-heavy”.

The summary acknowledges “major development is coming to the area” but adds Harrogate Borough Council’s development plan document “doesn’t provide a sound framework for delivering the ‘exemplar’ new settlement that’s required; nor does it address with sufficient care the implications for nearby villages”.

There are also concerns about the extent to which a genuine consultation is taking place for the new town, the name for which was chosen by developers Caddick without consultation with residents.

The summary says:

“Residents have raised concerns that the consultation process itself hasn’t been inclusive. Despite its far-reaching implications, there have been no in-person exhibition/public-hall meetings about the development plan document.

“The development plan document documents and response forms themselves are difficult to navigate, potentially preventing many residents from taking part.”

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Alex Smith, a spokesman for the councils, said:

“There are several important areas — the development framework itself, transport, flooding — where the development plan document offers a wish-list, not deliverable policies backed up by evidence.”

Mr Smith said the speed at which the development was being considered, five months before Harrogate Borough Council is abolished, had “added to the confusion” and the development plan document felt “premature”. He added:

“It’s about meeting a political objective and getting outline approval for the Caddick application before the council is disbanded on April 1 — not about making sure that we get the best possible development for the future generations who will live in, and near it.”

Concerns about transport, flooding and schools

Arnold Warneken

Arnold Warneken, a Green councillor who represents Ouseburn on North Yorkshire County Council, also attended the parish councils’ meeting.

He said many residents had concerns about issues such as transport, flooding and education and “a combined voice” was more powerful. Cllr Warneken added:

“The consultation process has been questioned by residents for lots of reasons wondering why it was so arms-length and not at all easy to understand or comment on by those residents not at ease with planning terminology and also those who struggle with computers and emails

“I think this coalition of councils is showing how a community can come together for the good of the wider community.”

 

Warning not to travel as strikes set to hit rail travel across Harrogate district

Train journeys across the Harrogate district are set to be severely disrupted this weekend as a national strike takes place.

Northern is advising passengers not to travel, with no trains currently scheduled to run through Harrogate and Knaresborough on the Leeds to York line on Saturday, November 5.

Network Rail has warned that there will be no rail connection between Yorkshire and London. Passengers heading towards the capital will only be able to get as far as Doncaster, and many other services across the region will be very limited.

The strike action by the RMT union will be repeated on Monday, November 7 and Wednesday, November 9. Services on the following days – Sunday, November 6, Tuesday, November 8, and Thursday, November 10 – are also expected to be disrupted, especially in the mornings.

Matt Rice, north and east route director for Network Rail said:

“I’m really sorry for the impact that this latest round of industrial action will have on passengers’ plans. We’re only able to offer a very limited service across Yorkshire, and trains that do run are likely to be busier than usual.

“Our best advice is to plan ahead, check your journey before setting off, and to only travel by train if it’s absolutely necessary on strike days. Thank you for bearing with us as we continue conversations with the trade unions to come to an agreement.”

This month’s strike is the seventh round of industrial action in the dispute over pay and conditions for rail workers. The union said its members are concerned about redundancies leading to unsafe conditions for staff on trains and in stations, as well as pay freezes for staff including cleaners, catering staff and track maintenance workers, while rail companies continue to make large profits and bosses take home high salaries.

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Harrogate hospital urges people to stay away from A&E amid ‘very busy’ week

Harrogate hospital bosses are urging people to stay away from its emergency department this week unless it is a life-threatening injury or illness.

Officials at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust said they are expecting a busy week, which may cause long waiting times.

It comes as health leaders in the district warned that covid and flu cases may increase at Harrogate hospital this winter.

In a statement, the trust urged people with non-threatening injuries to stay away from the emergency department.

A spokesperson said:

“This week we are expecting our hospital in Harrogate to be very busy. As a result, visitors to our emergency department with less urgent issues may experience longer waiting times than usual.

“We know that visitors to our emergency department can be in pain, stressed or scared, and our dedicated time will do everything they can to help.

“Your health is our utmost priority and all we ask in return is our staff are treated respectfully as they try to do their job.”

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Health managers in Harrogate have said they expect to see more covid patients in hospitals in the coming weeks.

Dr Bruce Willoughby, Harrogate GP and part of the Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, said:

“Health and care services in North Yorkshire and York, like everywhere, are already extremely busy. We do expect to see more cases of covid in the coming weeks as people mix freely again and spend more time indoors as the weather gets colder. The risk of catching covid is highest indoors and in crowded places.

“More people are likely to get flu this winter as fewer people will have built up natural immunity to it during the pandemic. The best time to have the flu vaccine is in the autumn or early winter before it starts spreading.”

Officials have urged people who are eligible to get a covid booster vaccine this autumn.

In Harrogate, vaccinations are available at the Great Yorkshire Showground until November 23.

People aged 50 and over, pregnant women, carers, frontline health and care workers, care home residents and people of all ages who are vulnerable are eligible for a covid jab now.

Those who are able to book their vaccinations can do so via the NHS website.

Taxi licensing changes will cause ‘chaos’, says Ripon cabbie

A Ripon taxi driver has said plans for a single licensing policy for North Yorkshire will lead to “chaos”.

Under proposals just put forward, the new North Yorkshire Council would create a single licensing policy for hackney carriages and private hire vehicles in the entire county.

It would mean drivers in Harrogate could operate anywhere in North Yorkshire whereas they are currently restricted to the Harrogate district.

Richard Fieldman, who has operated his cab in Ripon for 28 years, said the planned changes would see drivers “swamp” areas during the busiest times of day.

Mr Fieldman said the move would see quieter areas deprived of taxis during the busier times.

He said:

“It will mean that any taxi can work in any area.

“You are going to have swamps of taxis in busy areas at busy times. That in itself brings chaos.”

Mr Fieldman added that he feared the council could introduce a single fare rate for the county, which he said would make business “unviable” for drivers.

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The Stray Ferret has approached North Yorkshire County Council for comment.

County council officials said the planned policy would offer drivers “flexibility to operate across the county”.

The authority has launched a public consultation on the changes, which is set to last for 12 weeks.

A review of fare rates across the county will be carried out at a later date.

The council said in a statement:

“In accordance with the Department for Transport’s best practice guidance, it is proposed that the new council will operate one hackney carriage ‘zone’ for North Yorkshire.

“Thereby providing drivers with the flexibility to operate across the county, encouraging environmental efficiencies and creating a wider distribution of wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

“There are no plans to impose hackney carriage quantity restrictions on the creation of a new single zone. Hackney carriage fares and fees will also be reviewed at a later date.”

A consultation into the policy changes is open until January 19, 2023. You can have your say here.

Traffic and Travel Alert: Harrogate district update

Drivers using the A658 Harrogate Road should be aware of a roadworks near Huby and North Rigton which is diverting traffic.

Meanwhile, commuters are reminded of upcoming rail strikes in the district this week.

Roads

As previously reported, five days of roadworks on the A658 Harrogate Road started yesterday which may cause delays for drivers.

It will see motorists diverted along Crag Lane, The Sleights and Gravelly Hill Lane through North Rigton and Huby while work takes place.

The work is being carried out by North Yorkshire County Council to resurface the road, with a closure in place between 9.30am and 3.30pm.

Meanwhile, Traffic lights on the A59 York Road near the junction with the A658 in Knaresborough are due to remain in place until November 11.

Yorkshire Water has installed four-way traffic lights as it lays a new water main for a housing development.

Drivers are urged to allow extra time if using the route this morning.

Work to reconstruct the B6265 at Red Brae Bank, Bewerley, near Pateley Bridge, is ongoing.

The road is closed and a diversion is in place via Pateley Bridge, the B6451 Dacre, Menwith Hill Road, Duck Street and Greenhow Hill village. Temporary traffic lights will be in place during the remainder of the work.

Fell Beck Bridge remains closed for works until November 6, with a diversion in place via Burnt Yates and Summerbridge.

Planned gas replacement works in Harrogate will be paused. It means five weeks of traffic lights on Cold Bath Road, which were initially due to take place in September, won’t happen until at least January.

Trains and buses

Northern services between Harrogate and Knaresborough going to York and Leeds are scheduled to run as normal this morning.

However, commuters are being warned of upcoming strike action on Saturday (November 5).

Northern is urging passengers not to travel on the day and to check service times on Sunday (November 6).

Further strike action is scheduled to take place on Monday (November 7) and Wednesday (November 9).

The Harrogate Bus Company is currently reporting cancellations on its 1, 1A, 1B and 1C services this morning. You can get updates here.

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New council plans single taxi licensing for North Yorkshire

Taxi drivers in the Harrogate district could be able to operate in other areas of North Yorkshire, under plans being considered by county council officials.

A consultation is being held into vehicle licensing for the entire of the county ahead of North Yorkshire Council being set up.

As of April 1 next year, the new authority will be responsible for licensing vehicles in the Harrogate district. Harrogate Borough Council, which currently fulfils the role locally, will no longer exist.

County council officials have proposed North Yorkshire operates as one hackney carriage zone in order to offer drivers “flexibility to operate across the county”.

A review of fare rates across the county will be carried out at a later date.

The council said in a statement:

“In accordance with the Department for Transport’s best practice guidance, it is proposed that the new council will operate one hackney carriage ‘zone’ for North Yorkshire.

“Thereby providing drivers with the flexibility to operate across the county, encouraging environmental efficiencies and creating a wider distribution of wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

“There are no plans to impose hackney carriage quantity restrictions on the creation of a new single zone. Hackney carriage fares and fees will also be reviewed at a later date.”

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The consultation will run for 12 weeks and end on January 19, 2023.

You can take part in the survey here.

New North Yorkshire Council launches consultation on funding priorities

A consultation is being launched today on what the new North Yorkshire Council’s funding priorities should be, amid stark warnings about its economic situation.

North Yorkshire Council will come into existence on April 1 when the seven district councils, including Harrogate Borough Council, and North Yorkshire County Council, are abolished.

The postponement of the Chancellor’s autumn statement means the new local authority still doesn’t know how much funding it will be allocated by national government.

In addition, the new authority is expected to start life by inheriting a £27 million deficit from the eight councils it is replacing. Rising inflation is also believed to have added an additional £70 million in costs.

Against this backdrop, county council leader Carl Les said the budget for the new authority will be the most challenging he has witnessed.

Cllr Les, who will become the leader of the new North Yorkshire Council, said:

“These challenges for the forthcoming financial year are the greatest I have ever known, caused by a succession of issues that, taken in isolation, would present significant problems to overcome in themselves.

“We have launched the consultation to give the public the chance to highlight what they believe are the financial priorities which the new North Yorkshire Council should be focused on, and it is so important that we hear those views to help us form the budget for the authority.”

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Cllr Les added that the restructuring of local government in North Yorkshire “could not have come at a more prescient time amid all the challenges we are facing” because merging eight councils and streamlining services “will be invaluable in ensuring that budgets can be balanced”.

He believes the restructure could lead to savings of up to £70 million a year.

North Yorkshire County Council alone has had to make savings of £200 million since 2010 from an original net budget of £520 million, excluding funding for schools – equating to a 40 per cent reduction in spending.

North Yorkshire Council will serve the greatest geographical area of any local authority in the country, and it will have an overall spend of about £1.4 billion, including £343 million on schools.

The Let’s Talk Money conversation begins today and runs until December 23. Details are available here.

 

Business Breakfast: Harrogate event celebrates success of inclusion project

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

Yorkshire-based non-profit, Better Connect hosted an event in Harrogate to celebrate the success of its Action Towards Inclusion project.

ATI is an employability programme aimed at supporting those who are furthest from the labour market.

It has provided specialist support to help individuals across Yorkshire to overcome significant barriers, begin training, start the job search and secure employment. The project has helped over 3,000 people transform their lives, and secure training and employment.

A total of 180 people from across the Yorkshire region gathered at the Majestic Hotel  to honour the contributions of participants and the programme’s leaders, and celebrate the significant impact ATI has made.

Natasha Babar-Evans, chief executive at Better Connect said:

“This programme has made such a huge impact, and it was both emotional and encouraging to hear some of the incredible stories, the amazing journeys that people have made, the progress they’ve made, what they’ve achieved, and how important this programme has been to them.”

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Care award for Vida employee

A specialist care worker at Harrogate based Vida Healthcare, has won the Dementia Care Leader award at the Social Care Leadership Awards 2022. 

Bernadette Mossman, Vida’s healthcare director, won for her outstanding contribution to health and social care, particularly in relation to the care of people living with dementia.

The Social Care Leadership Awards provide an opportunity to showcase excellence in senior leadership in the sector.

Vida operates three care homes which provide care for over 210 people living with dementia, with over 450 staff currently employed across a number of roles.

Commenting on her win, Ms Mossman said:

“Since starting my career in health and social care, I’ve met so many amazing people and have achieved things that I’m extremely proud of. This award win is one such achievement.

“Being recognised by my peers and receiving this award means a lot to me, and I’m touched that my passion and dedication to supporting people living with dementia and our colleagues has been recognised.”