Call for report which recommended east/west split of North Yorkshire to be published

District councils leaders in North Yorkshire announced last month that they would consult on the idea of splitting the region down the middle to create two new authorities, to comply with the Government’s request for reorganisation ahead of devolution.

Ministers have told local leaders in North Yorkshire that to unlock a devolution deal, including an elected mayor with extra powers and funding, local government must move from a two-tier system to a unitary one, effectively abolishing seven district councils.

And North Yorkshire County Council has put forward a proposal for a ‘super-council’ to cover the majority of the region, with City of York remaining separate as its own unitary authority as it currently is.

But the district leaders thought this was too large, and employed consultants KPMG to explore other options, finally settling on an east/west split.

However, the KPMG report had 10 options on offer, and leaders have now been urged to release the report in full.

David Lloyd-Williams, a town councillor on Norton On Derwent Town Council, former North Yorkshire Country Council councillor, and Honorary Alderman of North Yorkshire, wrote to Ryedale District Council leader Keane Duncan calling for the report to be released.

He said: “At the moment all we have is one option from the county, and one from the districts which eclipsed York, so I would like to see those options and we are being told we can’t see the final report.”

In an email to Coun Duncan, Mr Lloyd-Williams said: “The stock answer about it not being a final report is wrong as you have already made a decision [...] but without any members being involved, is totally undemocratic.”

He added: “It must be remembered that the consultant is being paid from taxpayers’ monies and they too have a right to see what has been put forward as options.”

But Coun Duncan said: “Our full proposal will be made available to the public when it is complete. It will then go through the proper democratic process before any submission to government.

“For now, work is continuing to ensure we get the very best and most comprehensive proposal we possibly can. I am sure the county council will be doing the same.

“Our report will explain the objective process we have gone through to narrow down the options, as well as the data and evidence showing our east/west proposal as the strongest possible model for local government in the county.

“Government is still to confirm the deadline for submission so we are seeking clarity as a matter of urgency. But we stand ready to submit when called to do so.”