More time to have your say on creation of a Scarborough town council
The deadline was tomorrow but there's another two weeks
People in Scarborough are being given more time to have their say on the creation of a town council.
Parts of Scarborough and Harrogate are the only major towns in North Yorkshire not to have a parish or town council.
On 1st April next year, North Yorkshire County Council, Scarborough Borough Council and Harrogate Borough Council, along with the county’s five other district councils, will be replaced by a new North Yorkshire Council that will deliver all local services.
A central pledge in the case for this change was “double devolution”. This will enable town and parish councils to take on greater responsibilities, if they want to and can make a successful business case.
North Yorkshire County Council’s executive member for corporate services, Cllr David Chance, said: “Parish and town councils have always had a key role in representing the needs of their communities, and will have even greater opportunity to do so – as well as to take on greater responsibilities if they so wish – with the formation of the new North Yorkshire Council in April.
“As two of the county’s major centres of population, it’s vital that Harrogate and Scarborough have this opportunity and I would urge people to look at the consultation and have their say. At this stage, no firm proposals are being put forward. Depending on the response to this consultation, a further consultation on detailed proposals could follow.”
The consultation is part of a process called a community governance review, which aims to bring about more cohesive communities, better local democracy and more effective and convenient delivery of local services.
The executive member for stronger communities, Cllr Greg White, said: “Our communities demonstrate repeatedly that they have the ability, will and determination to help themselves and to support their vulnerable neighbours. Town councils give residents the ability to help determine how their own towns look and feel. This consultation will enable people living in Scarborough and Harrogate to have a say on whether they want a council for their town.”
Unparished areas of Scarborough
In Scarborough, Eastfield Town Council boundaries are also being reviewed. This is because new housing developments at Middle Deepdale, which neighbour and have strong links to Eastfield, are within the Scarborough unparished area. Residents of both areas are being consulted.
The unparished areas of Scarborough include these current borough council wards: Castle; Eastfield (part); Falsgrave and Stepney; Northstead; Weaponness and Ramshill; and Woodlands.
John Ritchie, County Councillor for Woodlands, said: "I'm not really what you'd describe as an enthusiast. I think we do need to engage more with the communities that we represent and I'm not sure a town council is the way forward.
"I'm not totally opposed to the creation of a town council. We need to engage the public that we serve. If it turns out they want a town council then we'll have to make it work to the best of our ability."
County Councillor for Weaponness and Ramshill, Rich Maw, said: "Do residents in Weaponness and Ramshill talk to me about the parishing of Scarborough? The truth is not very often and when they do, it's way down the list so there's more pressing concerns such as affording their food bill, feeding the electric metre and saving for rent. One thing they don't want is higher council tax rates.
"We don't know what potential responsibilities these town councillors will undertake, nor any idea about the precept, because the fundamental thing that I do hear is that money's tight and what that means is potential for additional draw on your council tax bills but there are significant benefits to having a system of closer democracy."
How to have your say
People can complete the consultation online. Printed copies and information in alternative formats can be requested from our customer support team on 01609 780 780 or via email to CGR@northyorks.gov.uk
In Scarborough, consultation packs will be available in the following places:
• All four packs will be available at Scarborough Borough Council, Town Hall, St Nicholas Street, Scarborough, YO11 2HG
• Scarborough Town packs will be available at Scarborough Library, Vernon Road, Scarborough YO11 2NN
• Eastfield-specific packs will be available at Eastfield Community Library, High Street, Eastfield, YO11 3LL
• Newby and Scalby-specific packs will be available at Newby and Scalby Library & Information Centre, 450 Scalby Road, Scarborough, YO12 6EE
North Yorkshire County Councils says currently, Scarborough has borough status, which entitles them to have a mayor. In the absence of parish councils, that status could be at risk. To preserve the historic property, privileges, rights and traditions, the structural changes order approved by the Government to enable creation of the single North Yorkshire Council establishes charter trustees for the unparished parts of the towns from 1st April, 2023.
Charter trustees are the councillors representing the relevant electoral divisions. They have no powers to deliver services, but will be responsible for ensuring any ceremonial elements continue, including a mayor. If town or parish councils are established, the charter trustees will be disbanded.