NORTH YORKSHIRE COUNCIL

15 July 2026

STATEMENT OF THE LEADER

Fylingdales Moor Wildfire

I am heartened to see the start of the intricate environmental restoration stage of the moorland destroyed by the brutal Fylingdales Moor wildfire and as North Yorkshire Local resilience Forum stands down its partnership recovery phase I want to put on record my thanks to the exceptional professionalism of frontline responders and the strength of long-established partnerships across emergency services, health bodies, the Ministry of Defence, communities and voluntary organisations in North Yorkshire.  These relationships, built through sustained collaboration, have been vital in response to an unprecedented threat here, which placed enormous pressure on over a prolonged period of time on all agencies involved and required close and effective cooperation with additional partners beyond the core Local Resilience Forum.

The review of the incident from the LRF has identified important learning which will further strengthen future responses.  Key improvements include enhanced training for those leading major incidents, closer collaboration with a broader range of organisations, and increased use of joint exercises to ensure effective deployment of specialist resources such as drones, aircraft, and heavy machinery.  The findings also emphasise the growing risk posed by climate change, underlining the need for better long-term resilience, improved risk planning, and a more consistent national approach to wildfire response.

North Yorkshire Council continues to raise concerns over the lack of government compensation for the businesses, farmers and landowners affected by the wildfire, and we call again on government to escalate developing a funding framework similar to that in place for flooding events, so that no other areas face the issues we experienced. We have provided targeted financial assistance to the most impacted businesses , but we have significant financial pressures too and such support cannot be sustained in the long term. There must be a national solution.  Nearly a year on, the wildfire’s effects remain visible, and the lessons learned must be used to strengthen preparedness for future emergencies both locally and nationally.

Review of Police Force Structures

The Chief Executive and I have recently responded to a call for evidence to the Independent Review of Police Force Structures. The proposals are for fewer, larger Police forces covering greater areas.

Whilst we recognise the argument that larger police forces could benefit from pooled resources, we do not believe this would adequately serve the needs of our rural communities alongside larger metropolitan areas. There is a risk that rural areas would face disproportionate competition for resources against larger urban centres, where demand is often more visible and prioritised. Although consistency in service outcomes and standards is important, a one‑size‑fits‑all approach is neither practical nor appropriate.

North Yorkshire’s distinct rural profile demands a policing model that reflects its unique challenges. Communities here are more exposed to rural crime, including livestock and agricultural theft, damage to farming and heritage assets, and environmental offences such as fly-tipping, issues that differ significantly from predominantly urban threat-based risks. These crimes have substantial financial and social impacts on rural communities and require targeted, locally informed responses supported by strong partnerships. Our Community Safety Partnerships, Safeguarding Children Partnership, Safeguarding Adults Board, and Local Resilience Forum (LRF) are built on deep local knowledge, trusted relationships, and aligned governance arrangements.

Moving to a wider regional model could risk losing this focused, community-led approach. Having Officers visible and accessible in all areas of our County is critical both for the understanding of communities’ needs and for the timeliness of response.  Understanding what works best at a local level and what can benefit from economies of scale more regionally is key to this, and we will continue to highlight the needs of our diverse communities.

Overnight Visitor Levy

Many of our visitor economy businesses noted with concern that the Overnight Visitor Levy was included in the Kings Speech. 

When the concept was initially announced, our consultation showed that the majority were alarmed about the impact of this measure on the health, competiveness and vitality of our visitor economy.    We also laid out our concerns over the need to ensure that any levy raised should be for the benefit of the places where it is generated, and, that the impact on all sectors of society should be carefully considered.  

It is understood that should the legislation be introduced, a consultation will need to be undertaken with the area on which it is to be imposed.  If this is the case, North Yorkshire Council will continue to consult with and represent the best interests of our residents, businesses and visitors alike.   

COUNCILLOR CARL LES