Residents, businesses and local organisations are being invited to have their say on the future of public services in North Yorkshire and York, through a series of virtual engagement events.

Over the coming weeks, the Leaders of the seven district and borough councils want to hear your views on local government reorganisation. To sign up for an engagement session, go to www.get-change-right.com/consultations

The Government has made it clear to local councils in North Yorkshire and York that they must reorganise local government in order to secure a devolution deal for the region.

The Leaders of the county’s seven district and borough councils have unveiled a proposal for an ‘East-West model’ which would create two brand new councils. The first would serve communities in Ryedale, Scarborough, Selby and York. The second would serve communities in Craven, Hambleton, Harrogate and Richmondshire.

North Yorkshire County Council would like to see a ‘mega-council’ across the whole county, alongside a separate, much smaller council serving the City of York.

Speaking on behalf of the seven council leaders, Councillor Richard Foster, leader of Craven District Council, said: “The re-organisation of local government services may not sound like the most exciting thing on earth, but the reality is that it will affect everybody who lives, works or runs a business in North Yorkshire and York.

“It is not only about how your everyday services will be delivered in the future, it is about the ability of communities to shape the future of where they live, and determine how we can bring new investment, jobs and growth to our region. That’s why it is so important that people have their say.”

The Leaders say the East-West model would ensure that local democracy is delivered closer to communities, protecting local identity and resulting in more equal democratic representation.

Research from KPMG shows that an East-West model is also likely to be better value for money for taxpayers when compared with North Yorkshire County Council’s bid to create what would be the largest unitary authority in England.

Eight engagement sessions on Zoom have been organised for residents, businesses and community groups to enable people to find out more and feed in their views. They will take place on the times/days shown below.

Shortly after signing up, you will be sent details of how you can access the Zoom session.

Comments can also be sent to Councillor Richard Foster, Craven District Council, Belle Vue Square, 1 Broughton Rd, Skipton BD23 1FJ.

To sign up for an engagement session, go to www.get-change-right.com/consultations or click the links below.

Zoom events for residents

Wednesday September 2, 5-6pm

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/get-change-right-for-residents-session-1-tickets-117734560239

Tuesday September 8, 4-5pm

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/get-change-right-for-residents-session-2-tickets-117734654521

Zoom events for businesses

Thursday 3 September 2020 3-4pm

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/get-change-right-for-business-session-1-tickets-117732598371

Wednesday 9 September 2020, 5-6pm  

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/get-change-right-for-business-session-2-tickets-117734100865

Wednesday 16 September 2020, 4-5pm

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/get-change-right-for-business-session-3-tickets-118010631977

Zoom events for community groups

Tuesday 9 September 2020, 3-4pm

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/get-change-right-for-community-groups-session-1-tickets-117734698653                    

Tuesday 15 September 2020, 5-6pm

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/get-change-right-for-community-groups-session-2-tickets-117734770869

Wednesday 16 September 2020, 2-3pm

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/get-change-right-for-community-groups-session-3-tickets-118016136441

For more information on the emerging proposal from the seven district and borough councils in North Yorkshire go to www.get-change-right.com