Wainman's pinnacle near Glusburn, North Yorkshire

Networks being established as new council focuses on social and economic change

North Yorkshire County Council has announced that they are to establish networks across the county to help drive social and economic change whilst also identifying the different priorities of communities.

The largest county in England, North Yorkshire will be taken over by the new North Yorkshire Council on the 1st April and it is making plans for the introduction of community networks by working alongside town and parish councils, public sector partners, businesses and communities to make sure that they accurately drive decision-making and action in the county.

With 30 networks set to be introduced, they will include councillors but will be independent of the council and will be focused on more specific area priorities.

Councillor Carl Les, Leader of North Yorkshire County Council, said:

“While North Yorkshire Council will cover the largest geographical area of any local authority in the country, we are committed to being the most local too.

“The community networks will be invaluable to ensuring that the voices of communities across North Yorkshire are heard, and that local needs and priorities can be addressed.

“Nothing will be imposed, as we want to do this with our communities and not to them.”

Work has already been undertaken to create the model for the new networks, with local leaders hoping that it will continue to build on the existing partnerships between public, private, community and voluntary sectors.

Executive Member for Stronger Communities, Cllr Greg White, added:

“The community networks are set to act as local agents for economic and social change. They are due to be places of collaboration between the new council and parish and town councils as well as business, public sector agencies and the communities they serve.

“Our approach would be centred around the significant economic, cultural and social assets of market towns, surrounding villages and natural communities in North Yorkshire, This would lead to greater collaboration and would provide the support that helps communities to become more self-reliant and resilient.

“They are due to be the engine rooms of local action and ideas, to get things done in local areas. Communities will help shape the plans and it is expected that the nature and make-up of the networks will evolve over time, to meet local needs and priorities.”

Whilst plans are being put in place to ensure that these networks are up and running as soon as possible, there have been recommendations that the system be phased in. This would mean initially rolling out around six networks following the launch of the new council, as part of a trial approach. The other networks would then be added over the first year of the new council’s leadership.

Public Sector Executive, Feb/March, Cover

PSE Feb/March, 23

Greater choice, greater results

Our February/March 2023 edition of PSE brings you expert comment and analysis on a range of key public sector topics, from EV infrastructure to Digital transformation and reducing carbon emissions. Learn how the UK Government is investing in highway and freight innovation or read Cllr Matthew Hicks discuss the first step towards an exciting future for Suffolk, alongside so much more…

Videos...

View all videos
#PSE365: Public Sector Decarbonisation

Be A Part Of It!

PSE365: Public Sector Decarbonisation Virtual Event | 21 Mar 2023

PSE has created a full calendar of events to address the most important issues that influence the delivery of public sector services. 

Over 365 days you’ll have the opportunity to hear from a range of highly motivating, informative and inspirational speakers. These speakers will equip you with knowledge and unique insight to enable you to overcome the challenges that you face.

Industry Survey

What are the biggest issues facing the Public Sector?

 Public Sector Executive is undergoing some in-depth research around the issues the Public Sector is facing and the importance of deploying and using new technology within Public Sector organisations. 

We are asking for your help to better understand how public sector organisations are utilising technology to support their digital strategy and your opinion on what the biggest issues facing the public sector are.

This survey only takes a couple of minutes to complete and to thank you for your time and for filling out our survey, we'll enter you into a prize draw to win a £50 Amazon voucher.

In order to assist public sector organisations with improving their existing technology estate, we hope to leverage our findings to share best practises and innovations across the public sector.

More articles...

View all