Scrapping North Yorkshire's district councils 'integral' to region's devolution deal, leaders told

Local leaders in North Yorkshire have looked on in envy as devolution deals unlocking powers and billions of pounds in cash have been signed in West and South Yorkshire since the beginning of the year as Boris Johnson pushed ahead with his levelling up agenda.

But following a meeting with Local Government Minister Simon Clarke earlier this week, what has been described as a “bun fight” over the structure of local authorities in the region looks set to come to the fore before any deal can be agreed.

Currently North Yorkshire is made up of North Yorkshire County Council, which runs services such as social care, transport, and education, then seven district councils running planning, waste collection and other services. York Council stands alone running all those services as one overarching authority.

The current arrangement has been in place since local government reorganisation in 1974.

But The Yorkshire Post understands Ministers believe that if another tier of government in the form of a metro mayor is to be introduced, some of the current system will need to be slimmed down, which could involve scrapping district councils.

North Yorkshire previously pushed for a unitary arrangement in the region more than decade ago, but plans were vetoed.

Mr Clarke said today: “Establishing elected mayors and unitary councils, with the strong accountability they bring, is integral to ensuring that local institutions are fit for any major devolution of powers and budgets.”

But it is understood City of York is considered too small for a standalone authority, covering around 200,000 people, but North Yorkshire with around 600,000 would be too large. One supersize unitary authority would therefore be far too big with 800,000 residents.

Coun Carl Les, the leader of North Yorkshire County Council, said: “Linking strong devolution deals to unitary status is the challenge Government has issued.

“We are at a critical time for our county and region and can see the positive opportunities to simplify structures and access to high quality services, strengthen our economy and voice nationally to lobby for greater investment and save significant sums of money.”

But a move to a unitary system would threaten the existence of district councils in Craven, Selby, Ryedale, Richmondshire, Scarborough, Harrogate, and Hambleton which are likely to want to stave off job losses and keep control over their own services which some argue are better delivered on a more local basis.

It is understood the seven district councils are working on proposals to send to the Government.

Coun Keane Duncan, leader of Ryedale District Council, said: "It's a shock to be told, effectively, that your council could be gone within months. The message from Government is clear: they want devolution, they want reorganisation, and they want it fast.

"And while I feel Government is willing to work constructively with us, they are the ultimate decision maker in this situation and they do not need consent from us local authorities.