Views wanted on creation of Scarborough and Harrogate town councils
A consultation begins today on making a new local voice for towns in North Yorkshire
Residents of Scarborough and Harrogate are being asked their views on the creation of town councils for their areas.
North Yorkshire County Council says it is in a move to ensure people have a strong say in decision-making at the most local level.
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.
Now, residents of unparished parts of Scarborough and Harrogate are being invited to give their views on creating councils for the two towns. The consultation begins today (Monday 22nd August) and runs until Friday 30th September.
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.”
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 Harrogate include these current county council divisions: Bilton and Nidd Gorge; Bilton Grange and New Park; Coppice Valley and Duchy (part); Fairfax and Starbeck; Harlow and St Georges; High Harrogate and Kingsley; Killinghall, Hampsthwaite and Saltergate (part); Oatlands and Pannal (part); The Stray and Hookstone; and Valley Gardens and Central Harrogate.
The unparished areas of Scarborough include these current borough council wards: Castle; Eastfield (part); Falsgrave and Stepney; Northstead; Weaponness and Ramshill; and Woodlands.
Everyone in these areas will receive a letter explaining the consultation and inviting them to take part.
People can complete the consultation online. Printed copies and information in alternative formats can be requested from North Yorkshire County Council's customer support team on 01609 780 780 or via email to CGR@northyorks.gov.uk
Copies of the Harrogate consultation will also be available from:
• Harrogate Library, Victoria Avenue, Harrogate HG1 1EG
• Bilton and Woodfield Community Library, Woodfield Road, Harrogate, HG1 4HZ
• Harrogate Borough Council, Civic Centre, St Luke’s Avenue, Harrogate HG1 2AE
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
Currently, Harrogate and Scarborough each have 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.