This report presents the York and North Yorkshire Local Government Reorganisation Case for Change (“the Case for Change”) prepared on behalf of the seven North Yorkshire District Councils of Craven, Hambleton, Harrogate, Richmondshire, Ryedale, Scarborough and Selby.  The report seeks the view of Cabinet on whether to submit the Case for Change to the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government (“MHCLG”) in response to the letter received by all the District Councils from the MHCLG on 9^th October 2020 inviting proposals for unitary local government for the York and North Yorkshire area.  Initial proposals must be submitted by 9 November 2020 and final proposals by 9 December 2020.

In accepting the recommendations, Cabinet will note that on 9 October 2020 the MHCLG invited proposals for unitary local government for York and North Yorkshire; recommend that Council determines that the function of deciding on the response to the invitation from the MHCLG pursuant to the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 is a function for the Council and that Cabinet considers the York and North Yorkshire Case for Change and makes a recommendation to Council.

The subject of the decision:

This report presented the York and North Yorkshire Local Government Reorganisation Case for Change (“the Case for Change”) prepared on behalf of the seven North Yorkshire District Councils of Craven, Hambleton, Harrogate, Richmondshire, Ryedale, Scarborough and Selby.  The report sought the view of Cabinet on whether to submit the Case for Change to the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government (“MHCLG”) in response to the letter received by all the District Councils from the MHCLG on 9 October 2020 inviting proposals for unitary local government for the York and North Yorkshire area.  Initial proposals must be submitted by 9 November 2020 and final proposals by 9 December 2020.

Alternative options considered:

Cabinet discussed various options relating to the submission of the Case for Change to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, including retaining the status quo.

The reason for the decision:

Cabinet was not satisfied that the submission of the Case for Change to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government was in the best interests of the residents of Hambleton.

The decision:

That Cabinet approves and recommends to Council that:-

(1)       it be noted that on 9 October 2020 the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government invited proposals for unitary local government for York and North Yorkshire;

(2)       Council determines that the function of deciding on the response to the invitation from the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government  pursuant to the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 is a function for the Council;

(3)       the report produced by KPMG on the York and North Yorkshire Case for Change not be submitted to the Government by the District Council; and

(4)       that representations be submitted by the District Council to the Government setting out the basis for retaining the status quo.