Residents across the Harrogate district are being invited to the first of a series of virtual locality roadshows to learn more about planning for the new North Yorkshire authority that will be in place from 1 April 2023.
Senior officials from the eight district, borough and county council from across North Yorkshire have joined forces to hold the virtual events, which take place via Teams Live next month.
Residents will be able to hear about the changes to local government and how plans are taking shape for the new authority.
The six sessions – starting from 4 April – are planned across the county based on the six parliamentary constituency areas. They will also give local residents an opportunity to ask questions about the changes.
Under the plans, the current county, district and borough councils in North Yorkshire are going to be replaced by a single council in April 2023.
Until then, services will continue to be provided by North Yorkshire County Council and the seven district and borough councils.
Wallace Sampson OBE, chief executive of Harrogate Borough Council, said: “These engagement sessions are a great opportunity for Harrogate district residents to find out more about the new authority and what it will mean for them.
“I hope as many residents as possible will be able to join one of the sessions to find out how we plan to ensure vital services – such as waste and recycling collections, housing and environment health, for example – will remain an integral part of the new North Yorkshire Council.”
Richard Flinton, chief executive of North Yorkshire County Council, said: “As we progress with our change and transformation, we want to reassure North Yorkshire residents that we are committed to keeping you informed and engaged along the way.
“We value your views and the roadshows will also help to answer any questions and allay any fears that you may have.”
He added: “This is an exciting moment for North Yorkshire and we are working with our district and borough colleagues and partners to ensure the very best outcomes for our local residents.
“In preparation for 1 April, 2023, we will continue taking the unitary conversation to residents, communities, the emergency services, our partners in health, education, and the voluntary sector. As well as to our members, our towns and parishes and our staff.”
Sessions are open to all residents living in North Yorkshire. They will be held via Teams Live between 6.30 and 8pm on:
- 4 April – Skipton and Ripon (panel members include Craven District Council chief executive Paul Shevlin, Harrogate Borough Council chief executive Wallace Sampson and Neil Irving from North Yorkshire County Council)
- 6 April – Selby and Ainsty (panel members include Selby District Council chief executive Janet Waggott, Wallace Sampson and Neil Irving)
- 12 April – Harrogate and Knaresborough (panel members include Wallace Sampson and Neil Irving)
- 13 April: Scarborough and Whitby (panel members include Scarborough Borough Council chief executive Mike Greene and chief executive of North Yorkshire County Council Richard Flinton)
- 14 April – Thirsk and Malton (Panel members include chief executive of Ryedale District Council Stacey Burlet and Richard Flinton)
- 26 April: Richmond (Panel members include chief executive of Richmond District Council Tony Clark and Richard Flinton)
Anyone wishing to attend a session or wanting to find out more information can visit: www.northyorks.gov.uk/new-council-virtual-roadshows where links will be published shortly.
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