On 1 April, the county council and seven district and borough councils will become one – North Yorkshire Council.
The council will become the geographically largest council in England but is being built with local at its heart and aims to be the most local, large council in the country.
It is committed to working closely with town and parish councils, as well as wider partners and communities to ensure that local priorities drive locally led decision-making and local action via community networks.
Staff who currently serve residents will continue to provide the services that they deliver now. A main office will be retained in each former district area and will be supported by a further 30 local customer access points in places people go in the future. There will be one phone number and one website, making sure access to support and services will be easier whilst ending the current confusion that exists over which council does what.
By making this change now, it gives North Yorkshire Council the best possible chance to protect our valued services at a time of exceptional financial pressures and high demand. Joining up services will allow the council to maximise spending power, meaning there is potential savings of between £30 million and £70 million which will then become annual savings. This money can be used to protect some of the most important local services at a critical time when everyone and every organisation is feeling the pressure.
The Council will have a strong voice and will work with the county’s six MPs to ensure that Government understands and acts on the issues that affect residents and businesses. It will advocate for the best possible opportunities. A clear economic strategy that plays to the county’s strengths and supports environmentally friendly business growth means it will be business friendly. By having one council, we can strengthen the county’s cultural offer, lobby for a greater share of funding for arts and culture, and support a year-round visitor economy. To find out more, visit www.northyorks.gov.uk/newcouncil