Thomas Bridge 12 May 2015

County leader pushes for town hall merger

The outgoing leader of North Yorkshire CC has called for his county to be merged with districts to form a unitary.

Conservative councillor John Weighell, who will step down later this month, said a town hall merger would be necessary ‘as money for all councils becomes even scarcer’.

‘I hope we carry on looking for efficiencies, including merging the county council and district councils to form a single council,’ he added

‘That would save money for the council tax payer and help to protect services.’

He also raised calls for greater power sharing to local authorities outside of metropolitan areas, warning ‘there can be too much focus on cities and not enough understanding of the needs of rural areas or the opportunities for devolution to counties’.

Reflecting on his near 14 year tenure as leader of the council and Conservative Group, Cllr Weighell paid tribute to the level of co-operation seen at North Yorkshire.

‘When I hear of some relationships at other councils,’ he said, ‘I am very grateful for the way we carry out our work in North Yorkshire.’

Cllr Weighell’s successor will be elected a meeting tomorrow.

Photo: © Graham Horn

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Part Time Finance Administrator

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum + Pro Rata
Part Time Finance AdministratorPermanent, Part Time£25,081 per annum, full time equivalentLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Customer Services Adviser (Housing Repairs

Mansfield District Council
£28,598 - £33,699 per annum
Mansfield is a town of towns at the centre of things in Nottinghamshire - a place of many strong connections Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

No Wrong Door Deputy Manager

North Yorkshire Council
From £47,181 up to £51,356 per annum pro rata
We’re looking for a passionate, driven, and dynamic professional to join our management team within our innovative No Wrong Door (NWD) service. Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior Resource Centre Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£34,434 - £38,220 per annum pro rata
You will work closely with families and other professionals to ensure that you have sound knowledge of the children you are caring for Morton on Swale, Northallerton
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Social Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£38,220 - £42,839 per annum, pro rata
Our Family Assessment and Support Teams you will work with a range of children and their families, carers and networks. Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner