Parish Charter consultation analysis and results Jan – April 2023

 

 

 


Table Of Contents

1.0 Overview................................................................................................................................................... 3

1.1 Background................................................................................................................. 3

1.2 Proposal.................................................................................................................... 3

2.0 Methodology............................................................................................................................................. 4

2.1 Consultation activity..................................................................................................... 4

2.2 Approach to equality, diversity and inclusion........................................................................ 5

3.0 Key Messages / results................................................................................................................................. 6

3.1 Summary.................................................................................................................... 6

3.2 Summary of survey results.............................................................................................. 7

4.0 Consultation engagement............................................................................................................................ 9

5.0 Extended results......................................................................................................................................... 9

5.1 Question 1 - What is the name of your city/town/parish council or parish meeting?......................... 9

5.2 Question 2 - To what extent do you agree with the principles of partnership working?.................... 18

5.3 Question 3 - To what extent do you agree with the principles of communication?.......................... 19

5.4 Question 4 - To what extent do you agree with the principles of consultation and engagement?........ 20

5.5 Question 5 - To what extent do you agree with the principles for financial arrangements?................ 21

5.6 Question 6 - To what extent do you agree with the principles for managing and maintaining local services and assets?......................................................................................................................... 22

5.7 Question 7 - To what extent do you agree with the principles for practical support for parishes?....... 23

5.8 Question 8 - To what extent do you agree with the proposed Terms of Reference for the North Yorkshire Council and Parishes Joint Liaison Group? .............................................................................. 24

5.9 Question 9 – With reference to the proposed arrangements for the North Yorkshire Council and Parishes Joint Liaison Group, it is intended that anyone interested would have the opportunity to participate. Are there any suggestions that could improve achieving this aim?................................................................... 25

5.10 Question 10 - The draft charter sets out a number of key areas where North Yorkshire Council and parishes intend to develop more detailed working relationships, including and not limited to the following: Local Council Elections and Polls, Financial Arrangements, Planning, Community Services including highways and lighting. Are there any other areas you feel should be considered?................................................................ 27

5.11 Question 11 - Would your city, town, parish council or parish meeting choose to formally adopt (endorse) a final version of the charter, assuming it was based on the principles and details in this draft charter?...... 29

5.12 Additional feedback and key themes............................................................................... 30

7.0 Feedback from drop in sessions................................................................................................................... 31

8.0 Additional feedback received outside of Snap Survey...................................................................................... 32

Find Out More................................................................................................................................................ 33


 

1.0 Overview 

  

  

  

1.1 

Planned reorganisation of local government meant that a new unitary council for North Yorkshire would be created on 1 April 2023, this would replace the existing district, borough and county councils. It was agreed that a new parish charter would be co-produced. From December 2021 joint work with Yorkshire Local Councils Associations (YLCA) and city, town and parish councils and parish meetings began to develop a new parish charter.

  

  

1.2 

This work was undertaken by an internal project team of officers from different teams and different councils (now all North Yorkshire Council) and parish representatives. The council officers involved worked with parishes regularly and therefore had existing relationships and insight, for example colleagues in Democratic Services and Highways. This internal group worked collaboratively with a group of parish councillors, co-ordinated by the YLCA. This working group included one parish representative from each of the YLCA branches covering the geography of North Yorkshire. There was also a representative from the Society of Local Council Clerks. Joint work to co-produce a draft parish charter took place from July 2022 to December 2022. 

  

  

1.3 

At a meeting held on 10 January 2023 North Yorkshire County Council’s (NYCC) Executive endorsed the draft parish charter and granted permission to carry-out a 12-week consultation on the draft.  

  

  

1.4 

From 19 January 2023 to 12 April 2023 NYCC held a consultation seeking views on the draft parish charter. This was the first formal consultation with parishes on this version of the draft parish charter

 

 

  

  

 

1.5 

The main reasons for having a parish charter in place are:

 

·         To define the relationship and understanding between the two tiers of local government

·         To recognise and support the importance of city, town and parish councils and parish meetings

·         To facilitate effective partnership working (which is essential to achieve the vision and aims of the new North Yorkshire Council)

  

  

1.6 

Due to the nature of local government reorganisation and the subsequent transformation of services after 1 April 2023, it was agreed that the development of the charter would be a staged process, with ongoing consultation, monitoring and update. 

  

  

1.7 

As highlighted at paragraph 1.2 the version of the draft parish charter that was the subject of this consultation was co-produced by council officers working with a representative group of parish councillors and clerks.  

1.8 

The draft parish charter included the following sections: 

 

1.       Context (Local Government Reorganisation) 

2.       Introduction 

3.       Partnership Working 

4.       Communication 

5.       Consultation and Engagement 

6.       Finance 

7.       Local Services and Assets 

8.       Practical Support 

9.       Next Steps – Further development, monitoring and review 

10.   North Yorkshire Parishes’ Joint Liaison Group Terms of Reference 

11.   How to report issues/contact details  

  

  

1.9 

A copy of the draft parish charter is included in the appendices document at appendix 1.

  

  

  

  

  

  

2.1 

The consultation was carried out over a twelve-week period, this was in line with Government guidelines and proposals relating to consultations included in the draft parish charter. 

  

  

2.2 

The purpose of the consultation was to seek the views of North Yorkshire’s city, town and parish councils and parish meetings on the draft version of the parish charter. Responses to the consultation would be used to inform future development of the charter. 

  

  

2.3 

The consultation approach was to seek one view from each city, town, parish council or parish meeting, not views from individual parish councillors or members of the public. Activities and communication were planned on this basis. 

  

  

2.4

A document outlining the approach to the consultation and associated communications was included with the documents approved by the Executive on 10 January 2023.

  

Promotion 

  

  

2.5 

At the start of the consultation period (17 January 2023) the Chief Executive sent details of the consultation to all parish clerks by email. Where there was no email address listed a hard copy was sent by post. Parish clerks received: 

 

·         Copy of the draft parish charter (Appendix 1)

·         Copy of survey questions (Appendix 2)

·         Cover letter (Appendix 3)

  

  

2.6 

The consultation was undertaken using an online platform (snap surveys). As mentioned at paragraph 2.5 a copy of the survey questions was included with the documents circulated. This was in response to feedback from parish representatives. As the approach was seeking just one response for each parish council or meeting, it was suggested that a copy of the survey questions could be helpful to aid discussion and the agreement of a response for submission later.  

  

  

2.7 

Information about the consultation was available on the NYCC website in both the ‘Consultations’ area and the ‘Parish Councils’ area. 

  

  

2.8 

All Elected Members (county, district and borough) were sent a briefing about the consultation so that they had all the relevant information and were able to promote through local channels. 

  

 

2.9 

The YLCA promoted the consultation in a number of ways:

 

·         The consultation was mentioned at all February branch meetings, (Craven, Hambleton, Harrogate, Richmondshire, Ryedale, Scarborough, Selby) all YLCA members are invited to attend branch meetings but only the nominated representatives are permitted to vote

·         Emails received from NYCC were circulated to YLCA membership in the North area (this is 358 members in total for the seven districts that have been represented on the Working Group)

·         Information included in the fortnightly bulletin, the White Rose Update

 

 

2.10 

Updates about the development of the draft parish charter and the associated consultation were included in two rounds of parish webinars hosted by NYCC and district colleagues on 23rd/30th June 22 and 28th/30th November 2022.

 

2.11

Face to face events supporting the consultation were held across the district. These were informal drop-in sessions for parish councils held during February. These aimed to give parish councillors the opportunity to discuss the draft parish charter and anything else relating to the new North Yorkshire Council. Details of the drop-ins that were held are below: 

 

·         Hambleton District Council, 9 February 2023 from 10am until 1pm, Civic Centre, Stone Cross, Rotary Way, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL6 2UU 

·         Ryedale District Council, 10 February 2023 from 2pm until 5pm, Ryedale House, Old Malton Road, Malton, North Yorkshire, YO17 7HH 

·         Craven District Council, 13 February 2023 from 11:30am until 2:30pm, Belle Vue Square, 1 Broughton Road, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 1FG 

·         Scarborough Borough Council, 14 February 2023 from 2pm until 5pm, Town Hall, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 2HG 

·         Harrogate Borough Council, 17 February 2023 from 2pm until 5pm, Civic Centre, St Lukes Avenue, Harrogate , HG1 2AE 

·         Selby District Council, 27 February 2023 from 2pm until 5pm, Civic Centre, Doncaster Road, Selby, North Yorkshire, YO8 9FT 

·         Richmondshire District Council, 23 February 2023 from 2pm until 5pm, Mercury House, Station Road, Richmond, North Yorkshire, DL10 4JX 

 

 

2.12 

Reminders about the consultation including officer contact details and the date the survey would close were sent out by email: 

·         3 April – sent by Highways Customer Communications

·         30 March – sent by office of the Chief Executive 

 

 

 

2.13 

NYC are committed to promoting equality and value diversity and driving inclusion by encouraging fairness with equal chances for all to work, learn and be free from any barriers, discrimination or victimisation. More details are available on the following webpage: 

·         https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/your-council/equality-and-diversity/equal-opportunities-information 

  

 

2.14 

The term 'seldom-heard groups' refers to under-represented people and/or communities who rarely have the same opportunities or access to express themselves as other stakeholders. Due to multiple barriers affecting access to and the use of public and social services, often the views of these groups go underrepresented. Many factors can contribute to people, who use services, being seldom heard, including: 

 

·         Gender, including trans identity/history  

·         Age 

·         Disability 

·         Race and ethnicity 

·         Sexuality 

·         Community impairments 

·         Mental health 

·         Homelessness 

·         Geographical isolation 

·         Socio-economic background 

·         Caring responsibilities  

·         Marriage, partner, and relationships 

·         Religion and belief  

·         Pregnancy, maternity, and parental leave 

  

  

2.15 

It is critical that efforts are made to connect and communicate with diverse groups, to facilitate fuller participation and ensuring that consultations are as accessible and progressively as inclusive as possible. North Yorkshire Council acknowledges that parish councils are key stakeholders and their views are valued and important for many reasons, including that they are uniquely well-placed to engage with and advocate for all people in their communities including ‘seldom-heard groups’. 

2.17

The text “If you would like this information in another language or format such as Braille, large print or audio, please contact the Communications Unit on 01609 53 2013 or email communications@northyorks.gov.uk” was included with information about the consultation.

3.0 Key Messages / results

3.1 Summary

 

Quantitative data analysis: The quantitative responses from the survey were analysed using standard frequency counts and percentages (where figures in this report do not add up to 100%, this is the result of computer rounding or multiple responses).

Qualitative data analysis: Open text questions were included to enable respondents to tell us more about their views and opinions. The analysis of open text qualitative data in survey responses was carried out using thematic analysis. This process involves identifying themes in responses and assigning responses, or elements of responses, to these themes to gain a deeper understanding of views and perceptions. Comments relating to each theme are then grouped together and counted which allows the most common themes to emerge. All open text responses are summarised in the following sections and shown in full in the supplementary appendices document.

A total of 108 online surveys were completed. The following sections include charts and graphs representing quantitative analysis of the data received for multiple choice questions. Comments received as open text responses have been coded by subject matter and summarised at the relevant questions. Please note some questions have fewer responses because respondents had the ability to skip any questions they wished. Figures to highlight the number of respondents who skipped each individual question have been included.

Above is a visual to demonstrate the location of respondents within the geography of North Yorkshire. The key item to highlight is that there was good engagement, and a variety of responses from the entire County geographic area, and from both larger and smaller city, town and parish councils and parish meetings.

 

3.2 Summary of survey results

There were eight questions where sections of the charter were referenced and people were asked to select the most appropriate from the following: strongly disagree, somewhat disagree, neither agree nor disagree, somewhat agree, strongly agree.

There were three open questions where people could leave a free text response of up to 2,000 characters.

There was one yes or no question, this was - would your city, town, parish council or parish meeting choose to formally adopt (endorse) a final version of the charter, assuming it was based on the principles and details in this draft charter?

A link to the Council’s corporate privacy notice was included to help people understand how and why their data would be processed. This is available here: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/your-council/transparency-freedom-information-and-data-protection/privacy-notices

Q1. When asked, ‘What is the name of your city/town/parish council or parish meeting?’ 101 respondents answered, and 7 respondents skipped.

Q2. When asked, ‘To what extent do you agree with the principles of partnership working as set out in section 3.0 of the draft charter’, 101 respondents answered, and 7 respondents skipped.
The majority of those who responded felt positive or very positive:

• 74% positive / very positive
• 8% negative / very negative
• 19% neutral

Q3. When asked, ‘To what extent do you agree with the principles of communication as set out in section 4.0 of the draft charter, 102 respondents answered, and 6 respondents skipped.
The majority of those who responded felt positive or very positive:

• 69% positive / very positive
• 14% negative / very negative
• 17% neutral

Q4. When asked, ‘To what extent do you agree with the principles of consultation and engagement as set out in section 5.0 of the draft charter’, 102 respondents answered, and 6 respondents skipped.
The majority of those who responded felt positive or very positive:

• 68% positive / very positive
• 12% negative / very negative
• 20% neutral

Q5. When asked, ‘To what extent do you agree with the principles for financial arrangements as set out in Section 6.0 of the draft charter’, 100 respondents answered, and 8 respondents skipped.
The majority of those who responded felt positive or very positive:

• 64% positive / very positive
• 12% negative / very negative
• 24% neutral

Q6. When asked, ‘To what extent do you agree with the principles for managing and maintaining local services and assets as set out in Section 7.0 of the draft charter’, 100 respondents answered, and 8 respondents skipped.
The majority of those who responded felt positive or very positive:

• 66% positive / very positive
• 14% negative / very negative
• 20% neutral

Q7. When asked, ‘To what extent do you agree with the principles for practical support for parishes asset out in Section 8.0 of the draft charter’, 99 respondents answered, and 9 respondents skipped.
The majority of those who responded felt positive or very positive:

• 66% positive / very positive
• 10% negative / very negative
• 23% neutral

Q8. When asked, ‘To what extent do you agree with the proposed Terms of Reference for the North Yorkshire Council and Parishes Joint Liaison Group set out in Appendix 1 of the draft charter’, 101 respondents answered, and 7 respondents skipped.
The majority of those who responded felt positive or very positive:

• 60% positive / very positive
• 18% negative / very negative
• 23% neutral

Q9. When asked, “Again, with reference to the proposed arrangements for the North Yorkshire Council and Parishes Joint Liaison Group set out in Appendix 1 of the draft charter, it is intended that anyone interested would have the opportunity to participate. Are there any suggestions that could improve achieving this aim?”

56 respondents chose to say more about their views, and 52 decided to skip this question. The most popular themes emerging from these comments are listed below:

• Meeting Logistics (14)
• Meeting Attendees (14) – focussing on concerns over fair representation and the role of Yorkshire Local Councils Associations
• Meeting Structures (14)
• Additional Supportive Points (10)

Q10. When asked, “The draft charter sets out a number of key areas where North Yorkshire Council and parishes intend to develop more detailed working relationships, including and not limited to the following:

- Local Council Elections and Polls
- Financial Arrangements
- Planning
- Community Services including highways and lighting.

Are there any other areas you feel should be considered?”

59 respondents chose to say more about their views, and 49 decided to skip this question. The most popular themes emerging from these comments are listed below:

• Community Development (38) –including but not limited to; Economic Development, Planning, Community Events, Health, Youth Services, Highways, Parking
• Environment (29)
– including but not limited to; Traffic Management, Environmental issues, Climate Change, Public Transport, Waste/Recycling.
• Local Engagement (22)
• Legal and Democratic Services / Resources (6)

Q11. When asked, ‘Would your city, town, parish council or parish meeting choose to formally adopt (endorse) a final version of the charter, assuming it was based on the principles and details in this draft charter?’, 88 respondents answered, and 20 respondents skipped.
The majority of those who responded would formally adopt (endorse) a final version of the charter, assuming it was based on the principles and details in the draft charter, of the 88 responses:

• 83% Would adopt (endorse) a final version of the charter
• 17% Would not adopt (endorse) a final version of the charter

 

 4.0 Consultation Engagement

During the engagement period, a Snap survey was sent out to all Town and/or Parish councils across North Yorkshire to facilitate their feedback to the proposed new Parish Charter. 108 responses were received to the online Snap survey. Alternative methods for respondents to make their voices heard were provided in the form of 7 in person drop-in sessions that Town and Parish council members could attend to engage with the proposed parish charter and North Yorkshire Council.

From these 7 sessions a total of around 70 attendees were present from city, town, parish council or parish meetings. The summarised feedback from these drop-in sessions is included within this report in section “7.0 Feedback from drop-in sessions”. A more detailed list of comments and feedback is available in the appendices document, appendix 6.

Town and Parish councils were also able to email or post in their views and feedback directly to North Yorkshire Council, and a total of 10 submissions were sent directly to NYC via post/email/telephone. The summarised feedback from these contacts is included within this report in section “8.0 Additional feedback received outside of Snap survey”. A full detailed list of these comments and feedback is available in the appendices document, appendix 7.

 

 

 

 

 

5.0 Extended results

5.1 Question 1 - What is the name of your city/town/parish council or parish meeting?

(101 Responses, 7 skipped)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

101 responded to this question and 7 skipped. Of the 101 responses there were 98 unique city, town or parish councils or parish meetings named. The unique names provided by respondents have been grouped by NYC Area Constituency Committee (ACC) and listed over the following pages.

 

Harrogate & Knaresborough

 

18 total parish councils/meetings in ACC, 4 responded. - 22%

 

·         Boroughbridge Town Council

·         KNARESBOROUGH TOWN COUNCIL

·         Pannal and Burn Bridge PC

·         Scriven Parish Council

Richmond

152 total parish councils/meetings in ACC, 31 responded. - 20%

 

·         Ainderby Steeple Parish Meeting

·         Aiskew and Leeming Bar (individual response from Councillor)

·         Arkengarthdale Parish Council

·         Bellerby Parish Council

·         Burton-cum-Walden Parish

·         Carthorpe Parish Council

·         Catterick Parish Council

·         Colburn Town Council

·         Eppleby Parish Council

·         GREAT LANGTON PARISH MEETING

·         Hackforth and Ainderby Miers with Holtby Parish Council

·         Hawes & High Abbotside Parish Council

·         Kirkby Fleetham with Fencotes Parish Council

·         Marrick Parish Council

·         Marske and New Forest Parish Council

·         Melbecks Parish Council

·         Melsonby Parish Council

·         Northallerton Town Council

·         Osmotherley Area Parish Council

·         Patrick Brompton Parish Council

·         PRESTON UNDER SCAR PARISH COUNCIL

·         Reeth, Fremington and Healaugh Parish Council

·         Richmond Town Council

·         Scorton Parish Council

·         Scotton Parish Council Catterick Garrison

·         Scruton Parish council

·         Seamer Parish Council

·         Siltons, Kepwick Landmoth cum Catto Parish Council

·         Stokesley Town Council

·         Thornton Steward Parish Council

·         Well

Scarborough & Whitby

36 total Councils in ACC, 12 responded. - 33%

 

·         Cayton Parish Council

·         Danby Group Parish Council

·         East Ayton

·         Eastfield Town Council

·         Eskdaleside cum Ugglebarnby Parish Council

·         Lythe Parish Council

·         Newby and Scalby Town Council

·         Newholm cum Dunsley Parish Council

·         Snainton Parish Council

·         Ugthorpe & Hutton Mulgrave Parish Council

·         West Ayton Parish Council

·         Whitby Town Council

Selby & Ainsty

92 total parish councils/meetings in ACC, 14 responded. - 15%

 

·         Barlby and Osgodby Town Council

·         Beal Parish Council

·         Escrick Parish Council

·         Kirk Smeaton Parish Council

·         Little Smeaton Parish Council

·         Newthorpe with Huddlestone

·         North Duffield Parish Council

·         Selby Town Council

·         Sherburn in Elmet Town Council

·         Temple Hirst

·         Thornville Parish Meeting

·         Thorpe Willoughby Parish Council

·         Tockwith with Wilstrop Parish Council

·         Ulleskelf Parish Council

Skipton & Ripon

116 total parish councils/meetings in ACC, 15 responded. - 13%

 

·         Austwick Parish Council

·         Bentham Town Council

·         Bewerley Parish Council

·         Bishop Thornton, Shaw Mills and Warsill Parish Council

·         Carleton-in-Craven Parish Council

·         Clapham cum Newby Parish Council

·         Cowling Parish Council

·         EMBSAY WITH EASTBY

·         Farnhill Parish Council

·         Hetton cum Bordley Parish Meeting

·         Mid Wharfedale Parish Council

·         Rainton with Newby Parish Council

·         Roecliffe & Westwick Parish Council

·         Sutton-In-Craven Parish Council

·         Washburn Parish Council

Thirsk & Malton

116 total parish councils/meetings in ACC, 22 responded. - 19%

 

·         Allerston and Wilton Parish Council

·         Bagby and Balk Parish Council

·         Birdsall Parish Council

·         Catton Parish Meeting

·         Coxwold Parish Council

·         Cropton parish council

·         EASINGWOLD TOWN COUNCIL

·         Great and Little Barugh Parish Council

·         Howsham

·         Husthwaite Parish Council

·         Kilburn High and Low Parish Council

·         Kirkbymoorside Town Council

·         Langton

·         Levisham Parish Meeting

·         Norton on Derwent Town Council

·         Reighton and Speeton Parish Council

·         Sandhutton Parish Council

·         Thirsk Town Council

·         Thornton le Beans and Crosby with Cotcliffe Parish Council

·         Thornton On the Hill

·         Weaverthorpe Parish Council

·         Yearsley

 


Harrogate & Knaresborough
4/18 responses

Richmond

31/152 responses

Scarborough & Whitby

12/36 responses

Selby & Ainsty

14/92 responses

Skipton & Ripon

15/116 responses

Thirsk & Malton

22/116 responses

Boroughbridge Town Council

Ainderby Steeple Parish Meeting

Cayton Parish Council

Barlby and Osgodby Town Council

Austwick Parish Council

Allerston and Wilton Parish Council

Pannal and Burn Bridge PC

Aiskew and Leeming Bar (individual response from Councillor)

Danby Group Parish Council

Beal Parish Council

Bentham Town Council

Bagby and Balk Parish Council

Scriven Parish Council

Arkengarthdale Parish Council

East Ayton

Escrick Parish Council

Bewerley Parish Council

Birdsall Parish Council

KNARESBOROUGH TOWN COUNCIL

Bellerby Parish Council

Eastfield Town Council

Kirk Smeaton Parish Council

Bishop Thornton, Shaw Mills and Warsill Parish Council

Catton Parish Meeting

Total – 22% response rate

Burton-cum-Walden Parish

Eskdaleside cum Ugglebarnby Parish Council

Little Smeaton Parish Council

Carleton-in-Craven Parish Council

Coxwold Parish Council

Carthorpe Parish Council

Lythe Parish Council

Newthorpe with Huddlestone

Clapham cum Newby Parish Council

Cropton parish council

Catterick Parish Council

Newby and Scalby Town Council

North Duffield Parish Council

Cowling Parish Council

EASINGWOLD TOWN COUNCIL

Colburn Town Council

Newholm cum Dunsley Parish Council

Selby Town Council

EMBSAY WITH EASTBY

Great and Little Barugh Parish Council

Eppleby Parish Council

Snainton Parish Council

Sherburn in Elmet Town Council

Farnhill Parish Council

Howsham

GREAT LANGTON PARISH MEETING

Ugthorpe & Hutton Mulgrave Parish Council

Temple Hirst

Hetton cum Bordley Parish Meeting

Husthwaite Parish Council

Hackforth and Ainderby Miers with Holtby Parish Council

West Ayton Parish Council

Thornville Parish Meeting

Mid Wharfedale Parish Council

Kilburn High and Low Parish Council

Hawes & High Abbotside Parish Council

Whitby Town Council

Thorpe Willoughby Parish Council

Rainton with Newby Parish Council

Kirkbymoorside Town Council

Kirkby Fleetham with Fencotes Parish Council

Total – 33% response rate

Tockwith with Wilstrop Parish Council

Roecliffe & Westwick Parish Council

Langton

Marrick Parish Council

Ulleskelf Parish Council

Sutton-In-Craven Parish Council

Levisham Parish Meeting

Marske and New Forest Parish Council

Total – 15% response rate

Washburn Parish Council

Norton on Derwent Town Council

Melbecks Parish Council

Total – 13% response rate

Reighton and Speeton Parish Council

Melsonby Parish Council

Sandhutton Parish Council

Northallerton Town Council

Thirsk Town Council

Osmotherley Area Parish Council

Thornton le Beans and Crosby with Cotcliffe Parish Council

Patrick Brompton Parish Council

Thornton On the Hill

PRESTON UNDER SCAR PARISH COUNCIL

Weaverthorpe Parish Council

Reeth, Fremington and Healaugh Parish Council

Yearsley

 

Richmond Town Council

Total – 19% response rate

 

Scorton Parish Council

 

Scotton Parish Council Catterick Garrison

 

Scruton Parish council

 

 

 

 

 

Seamer Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

Siltons, Kepwick Landmoth cum Catto Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

Stokesley Town Council

 

 

 

 

 

Thornton Steward Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

Well

 

 

 

 

 

Total – 20% response rate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Types of responding council

Parish councils
Total: 57

Parish meetings
Total: 6

Grouped councils
Total: 18

Town councils
Total: 17

City councils
Total: 0

Charter trustees
Total: 0

Pannal and Burn Bridge PC

Ainderby Steeple Parish Meeting

Aiskew and Leeming Bar (individual response from Councillor)

Boroughbridge Town Council

 

 

Scriven Parish Council

GREAT LANGTON PARISH MEETING

Hackforth and Ainderby Miers with Holtby Parish Council

KNARESBOROUGH TOWN COUNCIL

 

 

Arkengarthdale Parish Council

Thornville Parish Meeting

Siltons, Kepwick Landmoth cum Catto Parish Council

Colburn Town Council

 

 

Bellerby Parish Council

Hetton cum Bordley Parish Meeting

Danby Group Parish Council

Northallerton Town Council

 

 

Burton-cum-Walden Parish

Catton Parish Meeting

Newthorpe with Huddlestone

Richmond Town Council

 

 

Carthorpe Parish Council

Levisham Parish Meeting

Ugthorpe & Hutton Mulgrave Parish Council

Stokesley Town Council

 

 

Catterick Parish Council

 

Reeth, Fremington and Healaugh Parish Council

Eastfield Town Council

 

 

Eppleby Parish Council

 

Marske and New Forest Parish Council

Newby and Scalby Town Council

 

 

Hawes & High Abbotside Parish Council

 

Kirkby Fleetham with Fencotes Parish Council

Whitby Town Council

 

 

Marrick Parish Council

 

Tockwith with Wilstrop Parish Council

Barlby and Osgodby Town Council

 

 

Melbecks Parish Council

 

Bishop Thornton, Shaw Mills and Warsill Parish Council

Selby Town Council

 

 

Melsonby Parish Council

 

EMBSAY WITH EASTBY Parish Council

Sherburn in Elmet Town Council

 

 

Osmotherley Area Parish Council

 

Rainton with Newby Parish Council

Bentham Town Council

 

 

Patrick Brompton Parish Council

 

Roecliffe & Westwick Parish Council

EASINGWOLD TOWN COUNCIL

 

 

PRESTON UNDER SCAR PARISH COUNCIL

 

Allerston and Wilton Parish Council

Kirkbymoorside Town Council

 

 

Scorton Parish Council

 

Bagby and Balk Parish Council

Norton on Derwent Town Council

 

 

Scotton Parish Council Catterick Garrison

 

Reighton and Speeton Parish Council

Thirsk Town Council

 

 

Scruton Parish council

 

Thornton le Beans and Crosby with Cotcliffe Parish Council

 

 

 

Seamer Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

Thornton Steward Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

Well Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

Cayton Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

East Ayton Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eskdaleside cum Ugglebarnby Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

Lythe Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

Newholm cum Dunsley Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

Snainton Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

West Ayton Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

Beal Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

Escrick Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

Kirk Smeaton Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

Little Smeaton Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

North Duffield Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

Temple Hirst Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

Thorpe Willoughby Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

Ulleskelf Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

Austwick Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

Bewerley Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

Carleton-in-Craven Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

Clapham cum Newby Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

Cowling Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

Farnhill Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

Mid Wharfedale Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

Sutton-In-Craven Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

Washburn Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

Birdsall Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

Coxwold Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

Cropton parish council

 

 

 

 

 

Great and Little Barugh Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

Howsham Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

Husthwaite Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

Kilburn High and Low Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

Langton Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

Sandhutton Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

Thornton On the Hill Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

Weaverthorpe Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

Yearsley Parish Council

 

 

 

 

 

Total: 57

Total: 6

Total: 18

Total: 17

Total: 0

Total: 0


5.2 Question 2 - To what extent do you agree with the principles of partnership working as set out in section 3.0 of the draft charter?

 

(101 responses, 7 skipped)

 

The following chart only includes responses from those who chose to answer the question and excludes those who skipped.

 

 

 

 

 

5.3 Question 3 - To what extent do you agree with the principles of communication as set out in section 4.0 of the draft charter

(102 responses, 6 skipped)

 

The following chart only includes responses from those who chose to answer the question and excludes those who skipped.

 

 

 

 

 

5.4 Question 4 - To what extent do you agree with the principles of consultation and engagement as set out in section 5.0 of the draft charter

 

(102 responses, 6 skipped)

 

 

The following chart only includes responses from those who chose to answer the question and excludes those who skipped.

 

 

 

 

5.5 Question 5 - To what extent do you agree with the principles for financial arrangements as set out in Section 6.0 of the draft charter

 

(100 responses, 8 skipped)

 

The following chart only includes responses from those who chose to answer the question and excludes those who skipped.

5.6 Question 6 - To what extent do you agree with the principles for managing and maintaining local services and assets as set out in Section 7.0 of the draft charter

(100 responses, 8 skipped)

 

The following chart only includes responses from those who chose to answer the question and excludes those who skipped.

 

 

 

 

5.7 Question 7 - To what extent do you agree with the principles for practical support for parishes asset out in Section 8.0 of the draft charter

 

(99 responses, 9 skipped)

 

The following chart only includes responses from those who chose to answer the question and excludes those who skipped.

 

 

 

5.8 Question 8 - To what extent do you agree with the proposed Terms of Reference for the North Yorkshire Council and Parishes Joint Liaison Group set out in Appendix 1 of the draft charter

 

(101 responses, 7 skipped)

 

The following chart only includes responses from those who chose to answer the question and excludes those who skipped.

 

 

 

5.9 Question 9 – Again, with reference to the proposed arrangements for the North Yorkshire Council and Parishes Joint Liaison Group set out in Appendix 1 of the draft charter, it is intended that anyone interested would have the opportunity to participate. Are there any suggestions that could improve achieving this aim?

 

Below is a summary table of themes emerging from the comments with a tally of the number of times those themes were mentioned. Some comments included multiple themes, so the total tally may not equal the total number of comments. A full list of verbatim comments is provided in the Appendices document.
44 detailed responses were received, and these responses included 52 thematic comments. 64 responders skipped this question or left a “no comment” type response.

Response

Count

Skipped Question

 

52

Responded With No Suggestion

 

12

Meeting Logistics

 

14

 

Varied Meetings

7

 

Travel Expenses

3

 

Frequency of Meetings

2

 

Online Meetings

2

Meeting Attendees

 

14

 

Concerns over YLCA Bias

4

 

Fair Representation (general)

2

 

Fair Representation (smaller councils)

2

 

Representation from outskirts parishes

1

 

Local Expert Involvement

1

 

Direct Representation

1

 

County Councillor Involvement

1

 

Should differ from Regional Networks

1

 

Clarity on definition of ‘anyone’

1

Meeting Structures

 

14

 

Terms of Reference

6

 

Sub-groups for Related Parishes

2

 

Parish/Town Councils Lead on Area Committees

1

 

Chair from Parish Council

1

 

Agenda Sharing

1

 

Agenda Items

1

 

Review Outcomes from Meetings

1

 

Timely Feedback

1

Additional Points

 

10

 

General Comments

4

 

Communication

2

 

Forms in High Traffic Areas

1

 

Inclusion of Parish Meetings

1

 

Councillor Involvement in Parish Meetings

1

 

Parish Council Involvement in Proposals

1

The main concern raised was ensuring an inclusive approach to the Parishes Joint Liaison Group. Whilst 59% of councils responding to the consultation chose not to suggest an improvement to the proposal, an overarching theme was the importance of representation from all councils and meetings, especially those that are smaller or are located on the periphery of North Yorkshire. Several suggestions were put forward to improve the level of representation including varying meeting styles (online, evenings, varied locations across the county) and not limiting access for councils that are smaller or non-members of the YLCA.

Another theme that emerged was the importance of ensuring fair representation for meeting attendance. Some respondents expressed concerns of a potential and/or perceived bias towards councils that are members of the YLCA as some responders believed the proposed arrangement “implies that YLCA member bodies can be represented by YLCA AND the parish sector spokesperson” and “Parish Sector membership of the group will be drawn exclusively from YLCA membership pool”. A variety of suggestions were made to ensure inclusivity such as the formation of sub-groups for related parishes and that membership of the group should be a sample of representatives across all parishes. A point raised on several occasions was the clarity of the Terms of Reference.


 5.10 Question 10 - The draft charter sets out a number of key areas where North Yorkshire Council and parishes intend to develop more detailed working relationships, including and not limited to the following:
•          Local Council Elections and Polls
•          Financial Arrangements

•          Planning

•          Community Services including highways and lighting.

Are there any other areas you feel should be considered?

 

 

Response

   Count

 

 

Skipped Question

 

49

 

Responded With No Suggestion

 

14

 

Community Development

 

38

 

Highways/traffic

 

14

 

Economic development

 

7

 

Planning

 

7

 

Community events/health

 

5

 

Police – partnership working

 

2

 

Leisure facilities

 

1

 

Licensing

 

1

 

Youth services

 

1

 

Environment

 

29

 

Environmental issues

 

9

 

Waste/recycling

 

6

 

Parks and Streetscene

 

5

 

Emergency planning

 

5

 

Public transport

 

3

 

Public rights of way

 

1

 

Local Engagement

 

22

 

NYC Councillor engagement

 

6

 

Parish engagement

 

6

 

Centralised/improved communications

 

6

 

National Park Authorities

 

3

 

Focus on smaller parish councils

 

1

 

Legal and Democratic Services/ Resources

 

6

 

Property

 

2

 

General support to parish councils/parish meetings

 

2

 

Standardised policies

 

1

 

Technology and change

 

1

 

Not Enough Information for Comment

 

2

Below is a summary table of themes emerging from the comments with a tally of the number of times those themes were mentioned. Some comments included multiple themes, so the total tally may not equal the total number of comments. A full list of verbatim comments is provided in the Appendices document. 
Of the 108 survey responders, 45 detailed responses were received, and these responses included 97 thematic comments. With 63 responders skipping this question or leaving a “no comment” type response. 

The main items raised that the engaging Town and Parish Councils felt should be considered as a key area where North Yorkshire Council and parishes could develop more detailed working relationship were under the umbrellas of Environment, Community Development, and Local engagement. A key theme that was present throughout many responses is communication routes and channels, and appropriate representation from councillors at city, town or parish council meetings, this was to ensure continuous and regular engagement on local issues.

 

 


5.11 Question 11 - Would your city, town, parish council or parish meeting choose to formally adopt (endorse) a final version of the charter, assuming it was based on the principles and details in this draft charter?

 

(88 responses, 20 skipped)

 

Of the 88 responders who answered this question 83% would support a draft charter if it was based on the principles and details in this draft charter and 17% would not


5.12 Additional feedback and key themes

After the questions, the Snap survey then welcomed responders to provide us with any additional feedback or comments that they felt had not been covered by the survey questions. 73 total additional comments received, of these 67 contained substantive comments or feedback on the proposed Charter and 6 stated that there were no further comments. Below is a summary table of themes emerging from the comments with a tally of the number of times those themes were mentioned. Some comments included multiple themes, so the total tally may not equal the total number of comments. A full list of verbatim comments is provided in the appendices document.

Positive comment / Praise

No. of comments

General positive comment

7

Emerging Relationships

5

General support of the Charter contents

5

Language used within proposal

3

constructive comment

3

Communication/Consultation

2

Prospective future benefits

2

Total

27

Neutral Comment / Suggestion

No. of comments

Parish meeting representation

10

Future involvement in developing charter

8

Diversity across parish organisations

7

Ensure equality of service

6

additional information needed

6

Large geography

4

Complying with the charter

3

Equality of access to services

3

improve lines of communication

3

Concerns about existing relationships

2

Total

52

Negative comment / Concern

No. of comments

Clarity of contents/change

11

Consultation approach

9

Required development of portal / Communication links

8

Funding concerns

6

Language used

6

Charter contents

3

Further work required

3

Highways

3

No desire for change

2

Lack of engagement

2

Unnecessary red tape

2

Total

55

As you can see above, there are substantially more neutral comments/suggestions and negative comments/concerns as opposed to positive comments/praise which does not reflect the results of the Snap Survey questions. It is likely that this is because many people that are content did not feel the need to leave a comment as they are satisfied with the draft charter and consultation.


7.0 Feedback from drop in sessions

7 in person drop-in sessions were hosted, that Town and/or Parish Council members could attend to ensure their views were heard. These sessions were hosted across the geography in the following locations for adequate coverage:

·         Hambleton District Council: 9th February 2023 from 10am until 1pm
Number of attendees: 20

·         Ryedale District Council – 10th February 2023 from 2pm until 5pm
Number of attendees: Unconfirmed

·         Craven District Council – 13th February 2023 from 11:30am until 2:30pm
Number of attendees: 8

·         Scarborough Borough Council – 14th February 2023 from 2pm until 5pm
Number of attendees: 10

·         Harrogate Borough Council – 17th February 2023 from 2pm until 5pm
Number of attendees: 7

·         Selby District Council – 27th February 2023 from 2pm until 5pm
Number of attendees: 12

·         Richmondshire District Council – 23rd February 2023 from 2pm until 5pm
Number of attendees: 9 

From these 7 sessions a total confirmed number of 66 attendees were present from Town and/or Parish Councils. The themed and summarised feedback from these drop-in sessions is included within this report below. A full detailed list of comments and feedback is available as an appendix.

Drop in session feedback Theme

No. of comments

Require clearer, consistent Comms routes e.g., Portal

22

Future parish engagement

15

Impact of LGR

15

Planning

13

Contents of Charter

9

Concern over Accountability / Economic Development

9

Councillor Engagement

8

YLCA Comments

6

Highways / Car Parks

6

Poor language used / Clarity

5

Parish liaison group

5

Existing relationships

5

Support available

5

Streetscene Maintenance

4

Environmental Issues

4

Building positive relationships

3

Finance Queries

3

Election Queries

1

Total

138


8.0 Additional feedback received outside of Snap Survey

Town and Parish councils were also able to email or post in their views and feedback directly to North Yorkshire Council, and a total of 8 Town and/or Parish councils chose to send their feedback directly to NYC via post/email. The summarised feedback from these drop-in sessions is included below. A full detailed list of comments and feedback is available as an appendix.

Positive comment / Praise

No. of comments

Support the charter

5

Building relationships

2

General constructive comment

2

Consultation and engagement

2

Agree with contents

2

Total

13

 

Neutral Comment / Suggestion

No. of comments

Desired future engagement

5

Suggestion about contents of draft charter

4

Consultation approach

1

Interest in economic development

1

NYC Councillor engagement

1

Planning suggestions

1

Requirement for a new charter

1

Total

14

 

Negative comment / Concern

No. of comments

Unhappy with consultation

3

Communication timescales

2

Disagree with contents

2

Lack of contents/clarity

2

Lack of understanding of Parish issues

2

Language used

2

Planning Concerns

2

Lack of parish resources

1

Total

16

As you can see above, there are more neutral comments/suggestions and negative comments/concerns as opposed to positive comments/praise which does not reflect the results of the Snap Survey questions. It is likely that this is because many people that are content did not feel the need to submit feedback as they are satisfied with the draft charter and consultation.

 

 

 

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