COUNCILLORS in Richmondshire are against plans to create a single super council for North Yorkshire - but are committed to working wholeheartedly to implement the ultimate decision on the future of local government.

Whether or not unitary happens in North Yorkshire is not our decision to make

Melva Steckles - Richmondshire Council Leader

The decision stems from a meeting on Tuesday (12 June), when members acknowledged that, whilst they would prefer two tier working, the final decision on the fate of local government in the area lies with central government.

Councillors also committed to working to make the final decision, whatever it may be, deliver the best possible outcomes for residents, businesses, communities and staff at the Council.

"Richmondshire District Council has waited to allow the new Council, which includes 15 new members, to make its decision on the latest and best information available", says Leader of the Council, Councillor Melva Steckles.

"Whether or not unitary happens in North Yorkshire is not our decision to make, but we have made our stance clear. We believe we should raise our game, working together with the other District Councils and the County Council, to deliver improving and efficient services to our customers."

The Council's view will be fed into the Government's consultation on the subject, which closes on 22 June. A decision on which unitary bids go forward to the next stage is expected in July.