District councils favoured over county in poll

New research reveals that a third of residents want to see four unitary councils created - linking Hambleton with Richmondshire, Craven with Harrogate, Ryedale with Scarborough and Selby with the East Riding of Yorkshire.

And 72pc said they preferred this option because it provides councils covering a small area. Almost half also stated that it was because these councils would reflect local people's views and local identity.

Only 23pc of those surveyed want to see the formation of a single unitary authority for the whole county.

The research was released last week by the Boundary Committee and could be a blow to North Yorkshire County Council which favours a single, all-purpose council covering the whole county.

It was undertaken by MORI as part of the committee's work to establish residents' views about alternative patterns of local government it is considering in the event of a regional assembly being established.

"We are delighted this new research backs up our findings and supports our option for the future shape of local government in North Yorkshire," said Coun Arthur Barker, Leader of Hambleton District Council, who speaks for all the district councils.

"Not only do 33pc of the people surveyed back our option but 56pc backed smaller councils for the county area and 53pc said they did not want a single unitary created.

"We believe smaller unitaries will be closer to the people and will respond to their needs.

"They will be of a size to be effective and have the resource base to support local services - be they schools, care homes or leisure services.

"Local people told us they wanted local council services. Now they have told MORI researchers too. We hope the Boundary Committee listens to what the people have said when they make their final recommendations to the government next month."

Coun John Blackie, leader of Richmondshire District Council, said: "These results vindicate the district council's unanimous preference for four unitary councils in North Yorkshire, which in our case would involve a merger with Hambleton.

"It is clear that residents value the accountability, local sensitivity and accessibility which smaller unitary councils would bring."

A referendum on whether there should be an elected regional assembly for Yorkshire and the Humber will take place in the autumn.

In the event of a "yes" vote, the current system of two-tier local government will be abolished and new unitary authorities set up. A "no" vote will mean no change.

This new research backs up work already undertaken by district councils which would be affected.

More than 68pc of people who responded to a consultation exercise carried out by them earlier this year backed a four-unitary option.

The Government has announced that there will be a referendum in October to ask local people if they want regional government. If they do answer is one layer of existing local government will be taken away.

In North Yorkshire, that will mean abolishing the existing county council and seven district councils and setting up one or more new unitary authorities to combine their roles.

If there is a "no" vote, councils in North Yorkshire will remain as they are now.

The Boundary Committee has been seeking comments on four proposals: Option 1: A single unitary authority based on the current boundary of North Yorkshire.

Option 2: four unitary authorities combining Harrogate with Craven; Hambleton with Richmondshire, Ryedale with Scarborough and Selby with East Riding of Yorkshire.

Option 3: three unitaries for Harrogate and Craven, Hambleton, Richmondshire, Ryedale and Scarborough, Selby and East Riding of Yorkshire.

Option 4: three unitaries - a North York Moors Authority merging Hambleton, Ryedale and Scarborough, a Yorkshire Dales Authority combining Harrogate, Craven and Richmondshire and Selby with East Riding of Yorkshire.

The Boundary Committee makes its final recommendations to the government on May 25.