Stray Views is a weekly column giving you the chance to have your say on issues affecting the Harrogate district. It is an opinion column and does not reflect the views of the Stray Ferret. Send your views to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk.
Boris Johnson fine: We’re not moving on
In response to last week’s Stray Views, Susan can absolutely ‘move on’ if she’s happy and satisfied with our shambolic Prime Minister but that does not mean that we have to listen to her and move on ourselves.
The Prime Minister broke the law. He serves the country and he needs to be held accountable. Can’t she see it’s a massive issue that our Prime Minister thinks he is above the law? Plus, Susan’s points are laughable. Boris Johnson isn’t the one suffering from Brexit? He made sure he and his buddies still receive the benefits from the EU (such as the Freedom of Movement). Also, I’m sure he can afford to shop in places that will have fruit and veg on the shelves – unlike many people in our local area who have been forced to food banks. He may have had covid, but doesn’t Susan remember that he was the one promoting herd immunity before vaccines? So, he has no one else to blame for that but himself.
Susan cannot tell people how they should/shouldn’t grieve. That was insensitive and appalling. Susan also cannot tell people when or when not to move on.
Susan’s letter lacked compassion, empathy and understanding for anyone but Boris Johnson which baffles me. Anyway, despite her atrocious ‘views’ I am really interested, for a bit of a laugh really, in her opinion, what more important things are there?
Annie Smith, Harrogate
No break for the Prime Minister
Give him a break, really? The reason partygate is not going away, as much as the Prime Minister wishes it would, is because he has blatantly broken the rules and then had the audacity to lie about it.
No longer a Conservative voter.
Jenny Beesley, Harrogate
Read more:
- Harrogate district MPs silent on Boris Johnson’s future
- Stray Views: Boris Johnson has paid the fine – it’s time to move on
More money to keep Knaresborough clean
While it is very good that there are millions available to spend on leisure activities, it would be nice to see a little money spent on keeping Knaresborough clean, like it used to be when the late David Harper was employed to do this job.
The Autumn leaves were not swept up last year and became extremely slippery when the rain fell. Now they are just a dirty mess. On some roads, such as Wetherby Road, the decaying leaves have washed into the drains and blocked them to the extent they cannot cope with heavy rain.Surely a few thousand pounds could be found to employ someone to keep Knaresborough’s streets clean again?
Patsi Waite, Knaresborough
Do you have an opinion on the Harrogate district? Email us at letters@thestrayferret.co.uk. Please include your name and approximate location details. Limit your letters to 350 words. We reserve the right to edit letters.
Election 2022: Ouseburn candidate previewAhead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret will be previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.
A total of 21 seats will be up for grabs in the district with most of the major parties contesting each one.
Today, we look at the Ouseburn division which will see two candidates standing for election.
Richard Musgrave, Conservative
Richard Musgrave will be the Conservative candidate for the Ouseburn division on North Yorkshire Council.
Mr Musgrave is currently the councillor for the Escrick Division on North Yorkshire County Council.
The Stray Ferret asked Mr Musgrave for comment for this preview, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
A Conservative party spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that they were confident in their election campaign and pledged to continue investing in services across North Yorkshire if elected.
A party spokesperson said:
“The Conservatives are fielding an experienced slate of candidates. This is important as we argue the case for local services with settlements from Selby to Richmond and Whitby to Settle.
“That case includes continued investment in local services that has seen a new pool in Ripon and the start of a new pool and leisure centre in Knaresborough.
“We are investing in the Hydro to provide more leisure facilities for local people.
“We need to continue the investment in our conference centre adapting it to the modern conference and exhibition industry. The centre underpins thousands of jobs across the district and brings in an estimated £29m to the local economy.”
Arnold Warneken, Green Party
Arnold Warneken is the Green Party candidate for the Ouseburn division on North Yorkshire Council.
Mr Warneken has lived in Ainsty for 40 years and was the councillor for Marston Moor on Harrogate Borough Council in the 1980s.
He said he joined the Green Party as it “recognises the need for social and environmental justice”.
On standing for North Yorkshire Council, Mr Warneken said:
“I joined the Green Party because it recognises the need for social and environmental justice, through the empowerment of local communities, with positive solutions to the issues that challenge human survival.
“I am active throughout the year organising food parcels via Ainsty Community Larder, medicines deliveries, and transport for residents. I support road safety measures such as 20’s Plenty and better recycling facilities, and I have personally emptied overflowing dog-poo bins. I have also distributed 300 recycling bags & boxes to residents.
“I have a proven track record of getting things done as a volunteer so that I can achieve so much more as a county councillor.”
Read more:
- How the Harrogate district’s wards will change ahead of local election
- Full list of election candidates in Harrogate district revealed
Election 2022: Spofforth with Lower Wharfedale and Tockwith candidate preview
Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret is previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.
A total of 21 seats will be up for grabs in the district with most of the major parties contesting each one.
Today, we look at the Spofforth with Lower Wharfedale and Tockwith division which will see three candidates standing for election.
Andrew Paraskos, Conservative
The Conservative candidate for the Spofforth with Lower Wharfedale and Tockwith division is Andrew Paraskos.
Mr Paraskos is currently the Spofforth With Lower Wharefdale councillor on Harrogate Borough Council. He also sits on North Yorkshire County Council.
The Stray Ferret asked Mr Paraskos for comment for this preview, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
A Conservative party spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that they were confident in their election campaign and pledged to continue investing in services across North Yorkshire if elected.
A party spokesperson said:
“The Conservatives are fielding an experienced slate of candidates. This is important as we argue the case for local services with settlements from Selby to Richmond and Whitby to Settle.
“That case includes continued investment in local services that has seen a new pool in Ripon and the start of a new pool and leisure centre in Knaresborough.
“We are investing in the Hydro to provide more leisure facilities for local people.
“We need to continue the investment in our conference centre adapting it to the modern conference and exhibition industry. The centre underpins thousands of jobs across the district and brings in an estimated £29m to the local economy.”
Alexandra Marsh, Green Party
Alexandra Marsh is the Green Party candidate for the division on May 5.
Ms Marsh has lived in Cowthorpe for 35 years and runs an organic food business.
She is semi-retired and is currently responsible financial officer for Tockwith with Wilstop Parish Council.
On why she is standing for North Yorkshire Council, Ms Marsh said:
“I want the new NY Council to better support our rural communities, particularly our most vulnerable residents and our hard-hit small businesses, whilst reducing North Yorkshire’s carbon footprint as a matter of urgency.
“The Green Party is the only Party genuinely committed to safeguarding life on this very special planet.”
John Hall, Yorkshire Party
John Hall will be standing for the Yorkshire Party in the division on election day.
Mr Hall lives in Follifoot village near Harrogate and ran his own business for 30 years.
Between work and family time, he also taught cycling proficiency in local schools.
Mr Hall believes that Yorkshire should have “proper, powerful devolution through a regional parliament” in order to tackle issues such as transport.
He said:
“I support green transport and more rail-links. North Yorkshire’s bid for £116 million to fund bus improvements has been denied by Westminster. We’ll keep getting nothing until Yorkshire has proper, powerful devolution through a regional parliament.
“We have the same population as Scotland, an economy 50% larger than Wales, yet the rights and funding of neither.
“Local agriculture needs support during these difficult times but, like so many of Yorkshire’s past industries, Westminster does nothing to help.”
Read more:
- How the Harrogate district’s wards will change ahead of local election
- Full list of election candidates in Harrogate district revealed
Election 2022: Bilton Grange and New Park candidate preview
Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret is previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.
A total of 21 seats will be up for grabs in the district with most of the major parties contesting each one.
Today, we look at the Bilton Grange and New Park division which will see four candidates standing for election.
Matt Scott, Conservative
Matt Scott will stand as the Conservative candidate for Bilton and New Park on May 5.
Mr Scott is a councillor on both Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council, the latter of which he was elected to last year.
On his priorities and why he is standing, Mr Scott said:
“I am a lifelong Bilton resident and, along with the Green candidate, the only candidate who lives in the ward.
“I have been a district councillor since 2018 and represented all of Bilton Grange and part of New Park as county councillor since I won the Bilton and Nidd Gorge by-election last year.
“My priorities continue to be protecting our green spaces such as the Nidd Gorge and the Oak Beck. I am working with my colleague Paul Haslam to oppose development off Knox Lane while challenging Yorkshire Water on outflows into the Oak Beck near the Hydro.
“I also worked with Paul and Andrew Jones MP to oppose the Nidd Gorge relief road proposal.”
He added:
“I have a track record of getting things done such as securing CCTV for the Iron Bridge, getting durable bus shelter panels for Jennyfield to deter vandalism and getting the Cinder Path resurfaced in Bilton.”
Tamsin Jade Worrell, Green Party
The Green Party candidate for Bilton and New Park will be Tamsin Jade Worrall.
Ms Worrall, who is a trans-woman and lives in Bilton, works as a a railway signaller following 36 years as operations management within food manufacturing.
She joined the Green Party in 2018 and has had a lifelong interest in politics.
Ms Worrall said:
“I believe we are on the verge of a climate catastrophe exacerbated by the awful policies of all recent national governments.
“I believe in local business for local people, free education for all, social justice and personal accountability. The time has come to do politics differently and put people first.”
Read more:
- How the Harrogate district’s wards will change ahead of local election
- Full list of election candidates in Harrogate district revealed
Andrew Zigmond, Labour
Andrew Zigmond will be the Labour candidate for the division on May 5.
Mr Zigmond said among his priorities should he be elected would be to tackle anti-social behaviour in Bilton.
He said:
“I am standing as a Labour party candidate for Bilton Grange and New Park because I believe we need councillors in place who will bring about fundamental change, rather than more of the same.
“If I am elected I will work with the local police to ensure that antisocial behaviour is tackled robustly and that the safety of all residents is my priority.
“At the same time Bilton used to have a thriving youth club and I pledge to get this reopened.”
Monika Slater, Liberal Democrat
Monika Slater will be standing for the Liberal Democrats at the election May 5.
Ms Slater has worked in customer services for 17 years and is a volunteer at her local scouts.
She said among her priorities for standing will be to campaign for a town council for Harrogate.
Ms Slater said:
“I’m delighted to have been selected as the Lib Dem Campaigner for our area. If elected I’m determined to stand up for local people.
“With the Conservative Government in free-fall and an ineffective Conservative-run council, our area needs a fresh start and I’m determined to provide this.”
She added:
Election 2022: Fairfax and Starbeck candidate preview“We ned to do more to support the most disadvantaged in our community addressing issues such as loneliness and social isolation, improved access to public transport and schools need additional covid catch up funding for children and young adults who have missed so much education. I will be campaigning for a new Harrogate Town Council.”
Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret will be previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.
A total of 21 seats will be up for grabs in the district with most of the major parties contesting each one.
Today, we look at the Fairfax and Starbeck division which will see four candidates standing for election.
Sue Lumby, Conservative
Sue Lumby will be standing for the Conservative party in Fairfax and Starbeck division.
Ms Lumby is currently a councillor on Harrogate Borough Council and represents Harrogate Coppice Valley ward.
The Stray Ferret asked Ms Lumby for comment for this preview, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
A Conservative party spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that they were confident in their election campaign and pledged to continue investing in services across North Yorkshire if elected.
A party spokesperson said:
“The Conservatives are fielding an experienced slate of candidates. This is important as we argue the case for local services with settlements from Selby to Richmond and Whitby to Settle.
“That case includes continued investment in local services that has seen a new pool in Ripon and the start of a new pool and leisure centre in Knaresborough.”
Gordon Schallmo, Green Party
The Green Party candidate for Fairfax and Starbeck is Gordon Schallmo.
Mr Schallmo has lived in Starbeck for the past 12 years and works as a draughtsman at a local steel construction firm.
He has been a member of the Green Party since 2015 and says his true passion is volunteering at his local nature reserve.
Mr Schallmo said he felt it was important to “do my bit” and look after the environment.
On why he is standing, he said:
“My main reason for standing is because I’d like to address the poor town planning that in recent years has seen money wasted on poorly thought-out schemes and rather than just complaining about it I thought I’d done something about it so here I am.”
Read more:
- How the Harrogate district’s wards will change ahead of local election
- Full list of election candidates in Harrogate district revealed
Chris Watt, Labour
Chris Watt will be standing for the Labour Party in Fairfax and Starbeck division.
Mr Watt has lived in Starbeck for the last 13 years and currently works for the NHS.
He was previously parliamentary aide to a minister in the last Labour government and led government relations for an environmental organisation.
On why he standing, Mr Watt said:
“I’m proud of my area and want to give something back. I use our local shops, and facilities like Starbeck Baths, Fairfax Community Centre and Starbeck Library and want our area to be the best it can be.
“I want to continue to be a strong local champion for Fairfax and Starbeck, having led the campaign to re-open our local swimming pool and persuading the council to listen to residents and reject plans for more unsustainable housing that would increase traffic and worsen parking problems in our community.”
He added:
“On the doorstep, I’ve heard concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour and am already working in partnership with the police to tackle this blight on our area.
“Local businesses have also been badly hit by the pandemic and we are seeing too many empty premises on our high streets. Labour would push for support for local business.”
Philip Broadbank, Liberal Democrat
Philip Broadbank will be standing for North Yorkshire Council in the division for the Liberal Democrats.
Mr Broadbank is a councillor on both Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council representing Starbeck.
He has lived in the Starbeck and Knaresborough Road area for most of his life.
Mr Broadbank said on standing for North Yorkshire Council:
Election 2022: Pateley Bridge and Nidderdale candidate preview“I am keen to campaign for the establishment of a new Harrogate town Council once Harrogate Borough Council is no more.
“Over the years I have been actively involved in many groups and organisations in the ward.
“I want to see better opportunities for young people in the area and greater encouragement to get them involved in local activities.”
Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret is previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.
A total of 21 seats will be up for grabs in the district with most of the major parties contesting each one.
Today, we look at the Pateley Bridge and Nidderdale division which will see three candidates standing for election.
Stanley Lumley, Pateley Bridge
Stanley Lumley will be the Conservative candidate for Pateley Bridge and Nidderdale on May 5.
A lifelong resident of Nidderdale, Mr Lumley represents the area on both Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council.
He is also the cabinet member for culture, tourism and sport on the borough council.
Mr Lumley said:
“I am a life-long resident in Nidderdale and I am standing because I am passionate about the people and the place I live.
“I am proud to represent my community and I hope to be able to continue serving all residents on the new North Yorkshire Council regardless of their political persuasion.
“This is the most important election in local government for almost 50 years, the new council will need experienced and capable councillors to ensure equality for all and strong representation.”
Alison Harris, Yorkshire Party
Alison Harris is the candidate for the Yorkshire Party in Pateley Bridge and Nidderdale.
Ms Harris is a retired Harrogate resident who formerly worked in further education and for Barnsley Education Welfare Service.
On why she is standing, she said:
“I want more affordable housing built, with support for social and council housing from a devolved Yorkshire authority.
“Transport needs an overhaul: train services across the Pennines and to the east need vast improvement and country bus services should be expanded. Making public transport attractive and cheaper would go a long way to creating better environmental conditions.
“I support efforts to lessen our carbon footprint, including greener homes and an educational focus on green technologies.”
Andrew Murday, Liberal Democrat
Andrew Murday will be standing for the Liberal Democrats at the election on May 5.
Mr Murday lives in Glasshouses and and worked as a heart surgeon for most of his professional life.
He has also been a member of Bewerley Parish Council for the last three years.
He said:
“Nidderdale is one of the most beautiful places in the country. But rural areas are not without real problems; transport, affordable housing, an ageing population and the rest.
“Both Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council are run by a tired group of Conservatives who are beholden to a tired Conservative government. They have been there so long they now take our votes for granted.
“The change in the structure of local government now taking place in our region make these elections more important than ever. The time is ripe for new Liberal Democrat ideas based on the principals of liberty, equality and community and in which there is equal opportunity for all.”
Read more:
- How the Harrogate district’s wards will change ahead of local election
- Full list of election candidates in Harrogate district revealed
Election 2022: Harlow and St George’s candidate preview
Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret is previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.
A total of 21 seats will be up for grabs in the district with most of the major parties contesting each one.
Today, we look at the Harlow and St George’s division, which will see five candidates standing for election.
Steven Jackson, Conservative
Steven Jackson is the Conservative candidate for the Harlow and St George’s division.
Mr Jackson is currently a councillor on Harrogate Borough Council and represents the Harrogate Saltergate ward.
He chairs the council’s audit and governance committee.
When asked why he was standing for North Yorkshire Council, Mr Jackson said:
“As an experienced councillor, I can demonstrate a track record of delivering for residents. Whether the issue is housing, development, traffic, crime or the local economy, I always fight for my constituents.
“Living in the ward myself, I have established strong relationships with local residents and community groups, and I am passionate about ensuring our local area is the best it can be.”
He added:
“Outside politics I work to regenerate brownfield land, and I believe that the skills I have developed can be used working on a key issue in our area – ensuring that we have sustainable, environmentally friendly, infrastructure led development, which protects what makes our town a great place to live. I promise to scrutinise any development in our area and ensure that local people’s views are heard.
“If elected, I promise to continue working all year round and to support all residents, irrespective of political allegiance.”
Andrew Rickard, Green Party
The Green Party candidate for the division is Andrew Rickard.
Mr Rickard has lived in Harrogate for 15 years and in the Harlow and St George’s area for the last decade.
He currently runs a consultancy business providing financial advice to businesses and was recently the chair of Harrogate and District Round Table. He is also chair of the Harrogate Green Party and is a scout and rugby coach.
On why he is standing, Mr Rickard said:
“I’m standing in this election because of the frustration of seeing the growing disconnect between the common sense views of local residents and the divisive direction and decision making of those apparently in control.
“I will use my extensive experience of managing and chairing businesses and community groups to reverse the flow of power – local government decision making must reflect the views of the local people it represents.”
He added:
“I believe I will make a good councillor because of my business experience, my community engagement and my local knowledge and connections through raising a family here.”
Sarah Hart, Independent
Sarah Hart will be standing as an independent candidate for Harlow and St George’s division.
A business owner and resident in the division area, Ms Hart said she and the other independent candidates wanted to make a difference on the new authority.
Speaking in a personal capacity, she said she felt there was a “lack of transparency” in local politics and wanted to “facilitate genuine community engagement with local groups, businesses and residents”.
Among her priorities would be to fix roads and pavements, stop the Otley Road cycle path, promote existing cycle routes and protect community green spaces.
She said:
“I will push for a circular economy, and support shop local, which will benefit our local economy.
“I recognise we are a tourist town, but for too long it seems tourists have been a priority over the residents and businesses, this needs to change.
“I recognise the lack of secure affordable homes for local people and co-founded Harrogate Community Land Trust to address this problem, which is a not-for-profit, community led organisation. I also volunteer at Resurrected Bites, a fantastic charity that is helping families with the cost of living crisis and stopping food waste going to landfill.”
She added that she would also push for a review of the Harrogate district Local Plan 2014-35, recognise the climate emergency and work with schools to ease congestion.
John Adams, Labour
John Adams is standing for the Labour Party in the Harlow and St George’s division.
Mr Adams is a retired university professor and has lived in Harrogate for the last 17 years.
His grandfather was Labour MP for South Hammersmith, William Adams.
Mr Adams has been a lifelong member of the party and says he is committed to “reducing inequality”.
He said:
“I have a commitment to reducing inequality in UK, which has deepened so much in the last decade. My professional expertise is in economics.
“At present I am treasurer of a national charity, have chaired another, and have an MBE for services to education.”
Mr Adams added:
“Our area is relatively prosperous, compared to much of the country, but there are major issues about social housing and transport and the need for career opportunities — not just ‘jobs’ — for young people.”
Michael Schofield, Liberal Democrat
The Liberal Democrat candidate for Harlow and St George’s is Michal Schofield.
Mr Schofield was born in Harrogate and has lived in Harlow Hill on-and-off since 1982.
He is currently the landlord of the Shepherd’s Dog pub on Otley Road, which he runs with his wife Donna.
He has acted the role of the Dame in Rossett School pantomimes for the last couple of years.
Mr Schofield said he felt it was important to help local schools.
He said:
Election 2022: Valley Gardens and Central Harrogate candidate preview“I believe it is important to see improved funding for schools.
“In addition, as local businesses continue to struggle it’s important to grow the buy local campaign so everyone is contributing to a much stronger local economy.”
Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret will be previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.
A total of 21 seats will be up for grabs in the district with most of the major parties contesting each one.
Today, we look at the Valley Gardens and Central Harrogate division which will see five candidates standing for election.
Sam Gibbs, Conservative
The Conservative candidate for the Valley Gardens and Central Harrogate division will be Sam Gibbs.
Mr Gibbs currently sits Harrogate Borough Council representing the Valley Gardens ward.
On his priorities for standing for North Yorkshire Council, Mr Gibbs said:
“My priorities are tackling anti-social behaviour, promoting town centre investment, protecting green spaces and ensuring Harrogate remains a great place to live and visit.
“As a borough councillor since 2018 I have campaigned to protect Rotary Wood, to tackle town centre anti-social behaviour and to keep our streets tidy.
“Harrogate has recovered well from the pandemic. Our retail vacancy rates are at 8.2% – well below the national average and the council distributed over £93m to local businesses during covid. The Convention Centre brings around £30m into the local economy annually and underpins thousands of jobs. We must support it.”
He added:
“Parking charges should be kept low. Most have not been increased in eight years and parking is far cheaper than York and Leeds.
“As a trustee of Harrogate and District Community Action, and through my work with the Local Fund, I have supported community groups who do fantastic work and help our most vulnerable.”
Paul Ko Ferrigno, Green Party
Paul Ko Ferrigno will be standing for the Green Party in the division.
A scientist in biology and biochemistry, Mr Ferrigno coaches grassroots football and is a governor at two local primary schools.
He also founded Wetherby-based Avacta Life Sciences. Mr Ferrigno said he felt strongly about cuts to local government funding, which he believes has “negatively impacted” education.
He said:
“The Green Party is the only party to put the future first. What I have learned is those small decisions can lead to massive changes.
“I want to take this lesson and apply it to every decision made by the new council so that we can improve our local communities by thinking about the long term impact of each proposal on our children and their future.”
Lucy Gardiner, Independent
Local businesswoman Lucy Gardiner will be standing as an independent in the Valley Gardens and Central Harrogate division.
Ms Gardiner said among her priorities will be to improve infrastructure, clean up the town centre, support businesses and reduce congestion.
She said:
“I hold Harrogate very close to my heart. I am very proud that it’s my hometown, where I have my interiors business and where I bring up my family. We must protect its future.
“For far too long the councils haven’t been transparent nor fully engaged with the residents and businesses. Rather than towing a party line, I wish to use the wealth of knowledge at our finger tips by engaging with local people, businesses and groups to protect our heritage, while encouraging positive change for the future.”
She added:
“We need proper infrastructure before any more house building is passed. Smarten up our town centre and support our businesses, to lead the way on the high street.
“Reduce congestion with well connected travel schemes for all not the few. Protect our Stray and gardens for a greener brighter future.”
Andrew Williamson, Labour
Andrew Williamson will be standing for the Labour Party in Valley Gardens and Central Harrogate.
Mr Williamson has lived in Harrogate for most of his life and works in the private sector, but has previously worked for Harrogate Borough Council.
He said he wanted to get involve with the Labour Party due to his concern over the loss of the district councils.
Mr Williamson said he felt the best way to represent those who may be affected by the abolition of the lower-tier authorities was to stand himself.
He said:
“I have been an active member of the Labour Party for about six months now. I wanted to get involved because I’m concerned about what impact the abolition of North Yorkshire’s district councils might have on local services and amenities.
“I believe strong Labour representation on the new unitary authority is the best way to protect the services our communities depend upon.”
David Johnson, Liberal Democrat
David Johnson is the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Valley Gardens and Central Harrogate division.
A Harrogate resident for 30 years, Mr Johnson works as a librarian and was the secretary of the local Liberal Democrat constituency party.
He said he takes an interest in library policy issues, but has also campaigned on issues such as the European Union, fracking and children’s food allergies.
Mr Johnson said:
County council agrees to take part in government adult social care funding pilot“There needs to be more done to deal with congestion on our roads and improve the local bus services. There is a need for more social housing in Harrogate.”
North Yorkshire County Council has agreed to take part in a pilot for a government system to fund adult social care.
A meeting of the county council’s executive heard becoming one of the country’s first five local authorities to take up the government’s charging reforms programme would create a series of uncertainties for the council in an area which already accounted for almost half of its budget.
Nevertheless, officers underlined that if the new system was not working for the authority there would be opportunities to pull out of the pilot.
Although it will be up to the incoming North Yorkshire Council to make a final decision over joining the Trailblazer pilot, after receiving the unanimous support of the outgoing executive the scheme is likely to see numerous measures brought in.
Everybody who is receipt of care will have the right to have an account where the total cost of care over their lifetime is capped.
An £86,000 cap on the amount residents will need to spend on their personal care is set to be introduced in North Yorkshire from January next year, nine months ahead of elsewhere.
Read more:
Also, the point at which people become eligible to receive some financial support from their local authority, will rise to £100,000 from the current £23,250.
The council’s social care executive member Councillor Michael Harrison said it was important North Yorkshire helped shape national policy as it had a disperate care market, with 235 care homes spread across England’s largest county.
However, he said the authority did not know if the changes would entail a huge bill for the council as it remained unaware of how many people currently receiving care in the county funded it themselves.
Alongside uncertainties surrounding the information technology needed, the council remains unclear about the impact on the care market there is a risk to the council in that it could cost more than has been budgeted for.
However, Cllr Harrison said it was clear the new system was weighted more heavily in favour of residents, and particularly those with an average amount of savings, than the government.
He added:
Election 2022: Stray, Woodlands and Hookstone candidate preview“It would be a bigger leap in the dark if we weren’t involved in the pilot. There is undoubtedly going to be some unknown consequences and hopefully they will be flushed out during the pilot.
“It also means we are shaping national policy. This is really important that councils with rural areas rather than urban ones with a straightforward care market where the council is the biggest client help shape the system.
“In North Yorkshire we have a huge say in the market, but there’s so many self-funders, the market will take its own course. If it works the benefits are brought to North Yorkshire residents earlier than the rest of the country.
“This is definitely a step forward but there is still a lot of stress in the care sector. We still think more needs to be done to raise the profile and the conditions of those working in the sector to make it more attractive to people.”
Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret will be previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.
A total of 21 seats will be up for grabs in the district with most of the major parties contesting each one.
Today, we look at the Stray, Woodlands and Hookstone division which will see four candidates standing for election.
John Ennis, Conservative
John Ennis, who currently sits on both Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council, will be standing for the Conservatives in two-weeks’ time.
Mr Ennis said his priorities ahead of the election will be environment and open green space.
He said:
“I live within the Stray, Woodlands and Hookstone ward, the only candidate from a major party who does. I have been a resident for over 25 years, and am Andrew Jones MP’s endorsed candidate for our ward.
“My priority is our environment and precious green spaces, especially the Stray, Hookstone Woods and Panhandle Park. On my initiative new trees have been planted, ‘heritage’ lampstands installed, seating areas improved, new paths laid for walkers.
“I have a record of getting the small things done that make a difference: street signs and street lights repaired, potholes filled and roads resurfaced, litter and graffiti removed promptly, anti-social behaviour tackled.”
Mr Ennis added that he believes his 12 years as a councillor at both county and borough level is the “best guarantee of results” for the division.
Anna McIntee, Independents
Local resident Anna McIntee is set to stand as an independent candidate in the Stray, Woodlands and Hookstone division on May 5.
A mum-of-three, Ms Mctinee will be one of five independent candidates standing for North Yorkshire Council in divisions within Harrogate.
She said she was standing as she believes the town needs “fresh, forward thinking”.
Ms McIntee said:
“I have lived and worked in Harrogate for 15 years, raising my three daughters here, who attend a local school, and I’m very passionate about Harrogate and its future.”
Among her priorities include saving green spaces, a community led housing plan and transparent council finances.
She added:
“Like many of us, I have watched the town centre decline, shops close down, pollution increase, and our Victorian heritage slip away.
“We need some fresh, forward thinking on the council, with a new vision and joined up plans.”
Helen Burke, Labour
Helen Burke, who has lived in Harrogate for 44 years, is set to stand for Labour in the Stray, Woodlands and Hookstone division.
Ms Burke, who has worked as a welfare rights worker, said she has spent most of her life working to support people on benefits and “to appeal against unjust decisions”.
She is also a member of the campaigning group Keep Our NHS Public, which campaigns for better resources for hospitals and the NHS.
The Labour Party will be fielding 12 candidates in Harrogate and Knaresborough at the local elections in two weeks time.
Chris Watt, acting chair of the Harrogate and Knaresborough constituency party, told the Stray Ferret previously that the party is campaigning on housing, public transport and working with police to tackle anti-social behaviour.
Patricia Marsh, Liberal Democrats
Patricia Marsh, who is currently leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Harrogate Borough Council, is set to stand for North Yorkshire Council.
Ms Marsh has been a councillor for 32 years and lived in Hookstone for more than 40 years.
She said that she wants to listen to and work with local residents to improve not only her ward but all of Harrogate.
Ms Marsh said:
“It is important that more is done to protect our green spaces, fix potholes, make the town a cleaner place and where possible address issues of inappropriate development.
“There needs to be improved partnership working between local business and the County Council.
“The level of road congestion and pollution we have to suffer is becoming intolerable. We need an integrated Park and Ride scheme for the town.”
She added that Harrogate would need a new secondary school and that she would campaign for a town council to replace Harrogate Borough Council.
Read more:
- No deals expected between Harrogate district opposition parties ahead of election
- Council chiefs promise ‘seamless transition’ to new North Yorkshire Council
- Full list of election candidates in Harrogate district revealed