Elected regional assembly is 'change for sake of change'

They claim the Government's scheme will lead to both remoteness and a lack of local representation.

Members of the council's cabinet were reacting to the White Paper published last month which set out plans for a directly-elected assembly for Yorkshire and Humberside and the other regions.

A yes vote would be needed from referendums with local people before they could be established.

But Hambleton is already making its position clear. "We do not want a regional government for Yorkshire," said deputy leader Arthur Barker.

"If the Government wants to devolve power at local level it should be devolved to local authorities."

He said many of the responsibilities likely to be placed on the assemblies were already being undertaken at a regional level.

Councillor Barker said: "It is difficult to tell what unique intervention assemblies will bring from existing regional processes and local authorities. Indeed there will be some weakening of the partnership."

He said the issue contained an element of change for the sake of change rather than for improvement.

"Little is being devolved which does not already have an agreed process within the region."

Coupled with a referendum for an elected assembly are proposals to reorganise district and county councils into different unitary authorities - something which has also stirred Hambleton to anger.

"Almost 90 per cent of the population of Yorkshire do not live in the north and have no interest in our local government - and yet they will have a say in determining the shape of our future service," said Coun Barker.

"This element of the White Paper is fundamentally wrong and must be recognised as such."

Hambleton councillors are now to lobby central Government and local MPs with their comments.

* An information evening was held last night in Northallerton Town Hall to summarise the key points in the White Paper and explain the reasons behind the proposals.