Locality Budget
Once again, I have spent £10, 000 on projects important to our communities
I have supported two highway projects which have levered extra funding from other budgets.
Highlights include 2 events for children in Seamer Village Hall last Summer which were very popular one of which even had a visit from our MP who took part in a painting workshop.
Boundary Review
After electing a new Unitary Council based on merging district wards it was always the intention to have a closer look at the boundaries as well as the number of elected members. This process led by the Boundary Commission is well under way with a second consultation due to close in early June.
Local Plan
Following a call for sites we are still short in some areas of a 5-year land supply due to the high number of dwellings The Government expects us to build. An issues and options webinar is due to be shown to Parish Councils in the coming weeks.
Budget 25/26
We have set a budget for the coming year. The loss of a rural services grant worth 14 million is particularly difficult to replace meaning a further dip into reserves. We are already being briefed on next years budget by officers which emphasises the seriousness of the situation.
Customer Services Hub
Following the closure of the former Hambleton Council Offices at Stone Cross the Customer Services team have relocated. They can be found in the Campus Building on the former prison site. Situated between Iceland and the Cinema this represents a return to dealing with real people rather waiting on the telephone or being part of an email trail.
Home to School Transport
Following a decision to move from a catchment-based School transport system, Council recently a voted to be part of a new system which has been rolled out nationally. Pupils will only be eligible for funded transport if attending the nearest School to their home. Savings of over 3 million pounds per annum have been identified. That decision was reviewed again following an extraordinary meeting of Council today. The motion brought to the chamber to restore the original funding mechanism was lost by 10 votes.
Cllr David Hugill 21/05/2025