As ministers launched a consultation over the future of local councils in Harrogate and North Yorkshire, the two camps vying to have their model for local government chosen have ramped up their campaigns.
Devolution
Devolution campaigns ramp up amid consultation
Two campaigns over the future of local government in Harrogate and North Yorkshire have ramped up this week. Ministers launched a consultation on two models which have been proposed to replace the county’s two-tier council system. It would see Harrogate Borough...
County council elections postponed until May 2022
Local elections for North Yorkshire County Council will not take place this year after the government has launched a consultation on plans to scrap the two-tier council system. Polls have been rescheduled for May 2022.
100 businesses back east/west model to replace North Yorkshire councils
More than 100 businesses have backed plans for an east/west model to replace councils in North Yorkshire. The government says it expects to go to consultation on reorganisation plans this month.
£2 billion devolution negotiations kickstart as councils submit proposals
Council leaders in North Yorkshire and York have submitted £2.4 billion worth of devolution proposals to government. It would see a directly elected mayor and more powers over transport, regeneration and skills brought to the county.
Council director resigns from art festivals board over devolution conflict
Harrogate International Festivals has backed an east-west split proposed by district councils including Harrogate Borough Council. Richard Webb, North Yorkshire County Council’s director of health and adult services, stood down as a trustee because of a conflict with his employer’s proposal for a single authority.
‘No intention’ of becoming mayor, says county council leader
North Yorkshire County Council leader Carl Les is one of the most influential politicians in the county. In an interview with the Stray Ferret, he talks about forthcoming devolution and reveals why he won’t be standing for mayor of the county.
Call to create Harrogate Town Council
Harrogate Borough Council is set to be scrapped in the biggest shake-up of local government since the 1970s — now councillors are calling for a town council to be formed in its place.
‘Momentous’ single council proposal for North Yorkshire submitted
It triggers the start of a process that will result in the biggest shake-up of local government in North Yorkshire for decades. The seven district and borough councils, including Harrogate Borough Council, are set to agree to alternative proposals tonight.
Strayside Sunday: It’s all a matter of leadership
This week Paul looks at leadership — both Sir Keir’s moment and his hopes that devolution will result in better leadership locally..
Single council for North Yorkshire ‘could cost £38 million to set up’
The council appointed Pricewaterhouse Cooper to assess the best solution for the county and its report shows that setting up a single authority will cost a minimum of £18m and as much as £38m. The authority also predicts savings of up to £252 million over five years, equivalent to £50.4m per year.
Battle lines drawn as councils to vote on local government shake-up
Councils in North Yorkshire are to vote on proposals for a shake-up of the local government structure. Both the county council and districts have tabled different plans for the county.
York to back county council’s single authority plan
City of York’s council leader has said the authority will submit plans to remain as a unitary council, under local government shake-up plans. It means the council will support North Yorkshire County Council’s bid for a single authority.
