Concerns Over Scarborough Town Council Consultation

A consultation about whether or not Scarborough should have a town council comes to an end this Friday, but there are concerns that many people don't know it's happening.

Scarborough is one of just two towns in North Yorkshire not to have a parish or town council.

When the Borough Council is abolished next April, as part of local government reforms in the county, it could leave large parts of the town without a parish level authority.

Adrian Perry from Scarborough Civic Society is concerned

A consultation on the plans was launched in August and closes this Friday, but there are concerns that many people don't know the consultation is happening and also that people might think the creation of a town council would mean a big increase in council tax in order to pay for it.

County Councillor Janet Jefferson says that any council tax increase to fund a town council would be small - Janet's been on one of the working groups looking at potential costs.

The unparished areas of Scarborough include these current borough council wards:

•     Castle;
•     Eastfield (part);
•     Falsgrave and Stepney;
•     Northstead;
•     Weaponness and Ramshill;
•     and Woodlands.

Residents of those unparished parts of Scarborough are being invited to give their views on creating a new town council.

Eastfield Town Council boundaries are also being reviewed. This is because new housing developments at Middle Deepdale, which neighbour and have strong links to Eastfield, are within the Scarborough unparished area. Residents of both areas are being consulted.

Everyone in these areas should have received a letter explaining the consultation and inviting them to take part.

Speaking at the launch of the consultation in August North Yorkshire County Council’s executive member for corporate services, Cllr David Chance, said:

“Parish and town councils have always had a key role in representing the needs of their communities, and will have even greater opportunity to do so – as well as to take on greater responsibilities if they so wish – with the formation of the new North Yorkshire Council in April.

“As two of the county’s major centres of population, it’s vital that Harrogate and Scarborough have this opportunity and I would urge people to look at the consultation and have their say. At this stage, no firm proposals are being put forward. Depending on the response to this consultation, a further consultation on detailed proposals could follow.”

The consultation is part of a process called a community governance review, which aims to bring about more cohesive communities, better local democracy and more effective and convenient delivery of local services.

The executive member for stronger communities, Cllr Greg White, said:

“Our communities demonstrate repeatedly that they have the ability, will and determination to help themselves and to support their vulnerable neighbours. Town councils give residents the ability to help determine how their own towns look and feel. This consultation will enable people living in Scarborough and Harrogate to have a say on whether they want a council for their town.”

People can find details about the consultation online at www.northyorks.gov.uk/CGR.

The consultation can also be completed online at https://online1.snapsurveys.com/interview/c8672df5-5fa7-4e99-9e03-e840afbf1ba6

Printed copies and information in alternative formats can be requested from the NYCC customer support team on 01609 780 780 or via email to CGR@northyorks.gov.uk

In Scarborough, consultation packs will be available in the following places:

• All four packs will be available at Scarborough Borough Council, Town Hall, St Nicholas Street, Scarborough, YO11 2HG
• Scarborough Town packs will be available at Scarborough Library, Vernon Road, Scarborough YO11 2NN
• Eastfield-specific packs will be available at Eastfield Community Library, High Street, Eastfield, YO11 3LL
• Newby and Scalby-specific packs will be available at Newby and Scalby Library & Information Centre, 450 Scalby Road, Scarborough, YO12 6EE