Communities across North Yorkshire are being invited to have a stronger voice in local decision-making and help shape the delivery of services in their area.
We are carrying out a series of community governance reviews to consider whether changes are needed in how parish councils are run across the county.
A total of 15 consultations are currently under way, giving residents, parish councils and community organisations the opportunity to share their views on how local democracy works in their area.
The reviews consider a range of issues, including changes to parish boundaries, the size of a parish council, and whether a parish council should be created, merged, altered or abolished.
Following an initial 12-week public consultation held from September last year, feedback has been reviewed and is now forming the basis of a second consultation stage. This phase is currently live and will close on 11 June.
Executive member for corporate services, Cllr Heather Phillips, whose responsibilities include stronger communities and parish liaison, said: “It is essential that local communities influence decision-making and the delivery of services where they live and work.
“Your views are very important, and I would like to thank everyone who took part in the first phase of the consultation. The feedback we have received has been collated and has helped form this next stage of the process.
“I would encourage more residents, parish councils and community organisations in the 15 parishes to get involved, have your say, and help shape the final recommendations that are put forward.”
Stage two community governance review consultations are currently taking place in following parishes:
- Barden
- Bolton on Swale
- Rand Grange
- Spennithorne
- Thornthwaite with Padside
- Kirby Hill and District Parish Council
- Newall with Clifton Parish Council
- Thorpe Willoughby Parish Council
- Constable Burton and Finghall Parish Council
- Hudswell and District Parish Council
- Kirklington with Sutton Howgrave Parish Council
- Thornton-le-Beans with Crosby and Cotcliffe Parish Council
- Staintondale Parish Council
- Escrick Parish Council
- Sherburn Parish Council
The final recommendations will be considered by ourselves, with parish council elections held under any approved new arrangements in May 2027.
Anyone who lives or works in one of the 15 parish council areas is invited to have their say by completing an online survey.
Alternatively, residents can email cgr@northyorks.gov.uk.