PLANS have been proposed for ‘networks’ to be created across local communities in North Yorkshire to help aid decision making on the new unitary authority.

The new North Yorkshire Council will come to power on April 1 and, in doing so, plans have been announced to introduce community networks - which will see the council work closely with town and parish councils, along with public sector partners, businesses and communities.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) said the networks would include councillors and receive support from senior council officers, but would be independent of the new authority.

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The networks would also have the opportunity to elect their own chair.

While networks would not have devolved budgets, the spokesperson said that funding opportunities would be explored through sources such as the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Community networks 'invaluable' to ensuring voices are heard 

NYCC’s leader, Cllr Carl Les, who will assume the leadership of the new authority, said: “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.”

Gazette & Herald: Cllr Carl LesCllr Carl Les (Image: Supplied)

Around 30 community networks are set to be introduced and centred around market towns and their surrounding areas.

Members of NYCC’s executive will meet on Tuesday, February 21, to discuss how to implement the proposed scheme. 

It is recommended that community networks should be phased in, with an initial roll-out of about six following the launch of the new council to trial the approach.

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New areas are then due to be added over the first year of the new council as part of a rolling programme.