An opportunity for Members to discuss issues of key concern in the constituency.
Minutes:
The Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith MP provided a verbal update on the work that is currently being undertaken in the Skipton and Ripon constituency and raised the following points:
· The impact of the current international crisis on the cost of living and driving up fuel prices which has raised questions about defence spending.
· The Government’s recent White Paper proposing reform of the SEND system and funding.
· The local government funding settlement was deemed to be manageable overall but rural councils continue to face significant financial pressure, including loss of the Rural Services Grant.
· The Employment Rights Bill was expected to increase costs for businesses, due to the introduction of earlier employment rights, changes to unfair dismissal processes, and concerns about its impact on small businesses already under significant pressure.
· The Spring Statement highlighted the need to support the hospitality sector given rising unemployment for young people.
Members thanked the Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith MP for the verbal update and raised the following points in response:
· Concerns about rising household energy costs, particularly in rural areas. One Member reported that their heating oil bill had increased by £80 as a result of the current international crisis. The Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith MP acknowledged these concerns and endeavoured to continue raising the issue for residents of rural communities.
· Concerns were raised that the draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) would weaken the Council’s new Local Plan by expanding permitted development rights in national parks, undermining their statutory duties to protect heritage and provide public access. It was confirmed that the Yorkshire Dales National Park planned to submit a response to the new NPPF guidelines. In response, The Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith MP agreed to look into the issue further.
· The upcoming ITV programme on the Angus Fire PFAS issue in High Bentham and concerns that tourism in the area may be negatively impacted. The Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith MP confirmed he had been actively engaged with the company and the Environment Agency, emphasising that a regulatory process is underway to investigate the issues and that Bentham remains open to visitors.
· One Member raised concerns that the draft NPPF weakened support for community led housing and that the Council’s Local Plan contains no provision for it and also highlighted the lack of masts and poor mobile coverage in the Ripon area, with the Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith MP agreeing to follow up on both issues and seek further details on the perceived housing policy gap.
· On the matter of community led housing, the Executive Member for Culture, Arts and Housing reported that as a result of income gained from the second homes council tax premium, the Craven Community Land Trust would acquire two new homes in Settle. The Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith MP agreed to circulate a community energy projects document entitled ‘Local Power Plan’ from the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
· A request for an update from Arla on the closure of the Settle dairy factory to enable residents to better understand the site’s future.