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Skipton MP calls for fair funding for North Yorkshire in House of Commons

Tuesday, 14 October 2025 13:31

Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE MP has raised his concerns in the House of Commons about the financial pressures facing North Yorkshire Council

He is urging the Government to consider the unique challenges of England’s most rural county in the upcoming local government settlement.

Speaking during Oral Questions to the Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Julian said,

“Devolution is starting off well in North Yorkshire, but North Yorkshire Council is really concerned about the upcoming local government settlement, which is obviously going to be challenging for all councils.

"Could I urge the Secretary of State in his new role to look carefully at the most rural county in England and the particular challenges that it has in delivering services?”

In response, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Miatta Fahnbulleh acknowledged the pressures councils are facing and affirmed that the Government is working closely with individual areas during the reorganisation and devolution process.

Julian's intervention follows concerns from North Yorkshire Council leaders over the potential impact of the Government’s “fair funding review.”

Council Leader Carl Les has warned that the review could result in a multi-million pound shortfall for the authority, following the sudden removal of the £14 million Rural Services Delivery Grant.

You can watch Julian's question, and the Minister's full response, here.

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