Unitary decision ‘sad and disappointing’, says Hambleton council leader

The Government’s decision to move to a unitary council for North Yorkshire means it is a ‘sad and disappointing day for Hambleton,’ says the district council leader.

The Government announced yesterday that local councils in North Yorkshire will be replaced by one council, covering a population of 618,000.

The announcement, leaves York as a separate, small unitary council serving a population of 211,000 people.

This means all existing district and borough councils in North Yorkshire, including Hambleton District Council, will be abolished in 2023.

The Government decision follows a consultation held earlier this year on the future of local government in North Yorkshire and York.

Government ministers, following a request from North Yorkshire County Council, had told councils in July last year that they wished to see local government in the area reorganised into unitary councils, which would deliver all council services.

The six district and borough councils of Craven, Harrogate, Richmondshire, Ryedale, Scarborough and Selby had joined together to propose an East & West model of local government.

Hambleton did not sign up to this proposal and responded to the Government consultation by reiterating that the current way in which local council services are delivered in Hambleton, continues to be the preferred option.

However, if the current arrangement was not an option, the authority said it wanted the option which will provide the best possible service to residents of Hambleton and the option which will limit job loss in the Hambleton district to be taken forward.

Councillor Mark Robson, leader of Hambleton District Council said: “This is a sad and disappointing day for our district.

“As leader I have always made it very clear that the current way in which we deliver essential services to Hambleton residents is the best one.

“Following Government’s announcement, the future of local government in North Yorkshire is a very different one.

“Timescales and the detail around this change are not yet confirmed but I will be working hard to ensure the impact felt by residents, businesses and staff is as limited as possible and that in the meantime we continue to offer the high quality, local and responsive service Hambleton residents expect and deserve.”