North Yorkshire survey suggests 'large majority' prefer east/west split of councils

Two-thirds of respondents to an online poll backed the creation of two authorities split by the A1M as part of what would be the biggest shake-up of local government in decades in England’s largest county.

But the Conservative leader of North Yorkshire County Council has questioned the survey, saying it raises "more questions than it answers".

The idea is backed by the leaders of district councils and would see Harrogate, Hambleton, Craven and Richmondshire merge in the west, and Scarborough, Ryedale, Selby and York in the east.

North Yorkshire County Council and City of York both support a plan where a single unitary authority would be created for the whole county and York’s current arrangements would remain intact.

The two sides have until next month to submit their proposals to Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick, who will decide which option has the widest local support.

Leaders were told to end the current two-tier system of local government in North Yorkshire as part of the devolution process where new powers and funding would be handed to an elected metro mayor.

But since then the process has been delayed and the White Paper setting out the Government’s vision on devolution is not expected until Spring.

Simplifying council structures is considered essential by the government ahead of any devolution deal similar to those agreed by South and West Yorkshire.

The report prepared by Knaresborough-based researchers The Buzzz, using an online consumer panel, was based on the opinions of 557 people across the county and the City of York.

The final sample for analysis was weighted by age and gender within each council area and by socioeconomic group. The number of responses varied from 26 in Craven to 128 in York.

Respondents were asked for a score out of ten for both scenarios and while the North Yorkshire and York plan received an average of 5.2, the so-called ‘balanced option’ had a score of 6.1.

In total 66 per cent of respondents preferred the east/west split, though the strength of feeling varied. In Harrogate, 75 per cent of people said they preferred this model, while 78 per cent said the same in Scarborough.

In Richmondshire it received an overwhelming 92 per cent backing, while residents in York were split with 54 per cent preferring the North Yorkshire and York model.

Councillor Angie Dale, leader of Richmondshire District Council, said the study “clearly shows” most people believe the east/west split is the best way forward.

She said: “We believe it is by far the best option for our communities, keeping services local and effective, giving people a strong voice and fair representation, while delivering necessary and realistic efficiencies.

“We know from speaking to residents, businesses and other organisations that people have huge misgivings about North Yorkshire County Council’s model.”

Carl Les, Leader of North Yorkshire County Council, said the district councils had not revealed “what questions those surveyed were actually asked and what information they were given to make a decision on”.

He said: “We do however find it very surprising that no one appears to have been undecided in this survey. Equally surprising is their claim that 92 per cent of the residents of Richmondshire would support North Yorkshire being broken in half. The survey therefore raises more questions than it answers.

"As part of our final submission of December 9 we will be outlining how our own independent research demonstrates clearly a very strong level of support for our proposal to keep the county together.”

North Yorkshire County Council submitted its plans for a single unitary authority earlier this month.

At the time, Coun Les said it was “one of the most important decisions elected members will ever make for residents at a critical time".

He added: “We firmly believe that our proposal for a new single unitary council, based on North Yorkshire’s well recognised geography and delivering strong public services to everyone here is the best option for economic recovery and sustainable local government.

“However, we have always been clear that we recognise some district colleagues have a different view and an alternative proposal.”