Chief Executive of new North Yorkshire Council named
Richard Flinton will oversee the new authority which launches next Spring
The chief executive of the new North Yorkshire Council has claimed the chance to reshape local democracy presents 'some of the greatest ever opportunities to streamline key services and unlock millions of pounds in funding to counter intense financial pressures.'
Scarborough-born Richard Flinton has today (Wednesday 17th August) been confirmed for the role of the most senior officer to oversee the new authority, which will launch in the spring of next year.
The new unitary Council will be established when the current North Yorkshire County Council merges with the existing seven district and borough councils to deliver services ranging from social care and education to waste collection, recycling and highways maintenance.
The authority says the overhaul of local government is also set to pave the way for a long-awaited devolution deal, proposals of which were unveiled this month (August) and could see decision-making powers shifted from the Government to York and North Yorkshire with total funding of more than £540 million over a 30-year period.
The appointment of Mr Flinton, who is currently the chief executive of North Yorkshire County Council, was unanimously approved by members of the authority at a meeting today.
North Yorkshire County Council’s leader, Cllr Carl Les, said: “The recruitment of the new chief executive led to applications from across the country and both public and private sectors, and it was an extremely competitive process.
“I do believe that we have appointed the individual who is perfectly suited to leading the way forward at what is such an important time for North Yorkshire.
“Richard has a wealth of experience that he has garnered through his time at North Yorkshire County Council, and this will be invaluable in his role to head up the new unitary authority.
“He has without question the unswerving respect of his colleagues, and his vision and passion for North Yorkshire will be vital in shaping the future for all of the hundreds of thousands of people who live and work in the county.”
Mr Flinton’s forthcoming role involves overseeing about 10,500 staff, excluding schools, who will deliver the essential public services provided by the eight councils currently operating across England’s largest county. He will also be responsible for overseeing a budget of £1.4 billion.
He said: “I am honoured to have been chosen to become the chief executive of the new council at a time of huge change and opportunity in North Yorkshire.
“We are faced with some unprecedented challenges that have arisen from rising inflation as well as pressures on social care and also the issues which all local authorities are facing in recruiting and retaining staff to their workforces.
“But with those challenges come immense opportunities, while working with colleagues in North Yorkshire’s district and borough councils to introduce the new unitary authority.
“We will be able to streamline services and ensure even more value for money for North Yorkshire’s taxpayers, freeing up millions of pounds in funding. That funding will be used to support frontline services and also help alleviate the financial pressures which we all are experiencing.
“So much good work has been done already alongside our colleagues in the district and borough councils, and I do feel privileged to be able to play a part in shaping the way forward in what is such a huge moment in North Yorkshire’s history.”