News and Updates

North Yorkshire Council Parish Charter

The North Yorkshire Council Parish Charter sets out how local City, Town and Parish Councils and Parish Meetings work together with North Yorkshire Council for the benefit of local people in North Yorkshire has recently been reviewed by the Parish Charter Review Group.

Please take the time to review the Charter (see attached) and if you have any questions, please contact parishliaison@northyorks.gov.uk

The New Parish Website

The Parish Liaison, Devolution and Community Rights Team are finalising a new bespoke Parish Website, launching in June. The site is designed to make your role as Parish Clerk easier by bringing key information and services together in one place.

We are completing internal reviews and will begin user testing in May to ensure the site is fully fit for purpose. Further updates will follow over the coming weeks.

Once the website is launched, we will offer both face‑to‑face and virtual support sessions across the county to help you get the most from the new website.

Please keep an eye out for further updates.

Funding to Protect Homes and Businesses from Flooding Announced

The Environment Agency has announced £830 million in government funding for flood schemes in 2026–27. More than 600 projects will be supported, including improved flood barriers, embankments, natural flood management schemes, and coastal defences. An additional £260 million will go towards repairing and maintaining existing flood defences, including those damaged by recent storms.

Around 16 schemes in North Yorkshire will receive investment: 4 in Selby, 4 in Thirsk & Malton, 3 in Scarborough & Whitby, and 2 in Wetherby & Easingwold.

More information - £830 million in government funding for flood schemes for 2026 to 2027

Innate Needs – Support Map

Innate Needs is a support map, bringing together local services into a single, easy-to-use snapshot of what’s available in your area.

The platform brings together what’s already out there, reflecting information directly from organisations’ own published sources, so you can signpost with confidence without needing to search across multiple places.

Click here to explore all local support services in your area and use this map to signpost residents who require support.

North Yorkshire HWRC registration scheme now introduced

North Yorkshire Council has introduced a registration scheme for the county’s household waste recycling centres. Residents need to register their name, address and vehicle online before visiting. Registration is free, only takes a couple of minutes, and lasts for three years. The scheme will help ensure the sites are only used by North Yorkshire residents and reduce visits from those outside the county, which currently accounts for about one in six users. Owners of commercial like vehicles will also be able to make up to 12 free visits per year to dispose of their own household waste once registered. This change is designed to prevent the council from inadvertently accepting commercial waste free of charge, while still supporting residents who own larger vehicles. Restricting usage to residents and limiting the number of visits for commercial‑like vehicles, is expected to generate savings of up to £400,000 per year. It will also improve access and reduce congestion at busy sites.

Further information on the scheme, and to register, visit the council’s website.

Public Toilet Facilities – Proposals

North Yorkshire Council is set to consider a new countywide plan to safeguard and modernise public toilet facilities, aiming to ensure they remain reliable, accessible and financially sustainable for the future. The proposals include upgrading sites by 2030, expanding Changing Places provision, introducing a consistent small entry fee where appropriate, and exploring new funding options such as sponsorship or community partnerships. As some under‑used or outdated facilities may be reviewed, parishes are encouraged to stay engaged and share any local views or concerns so communities can help shape the long‑term approach to these essential amenities.

For further information, visit here: Practical plan for safeguarding public toilets to be considered | North Yorkshire Council

North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue – Fire Prevention Newsletter

Read the North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service’s newsletter here: Fire Prevention Newsletter

Recycling News and Service Updates for May 2026

Please find attached the Recycling News and Service Updates for May 2026.

Martyn’s Law guidance issued

From April 2027, all venues and events expecting 200 or more attendees will need to comply with Martyn’s Law.

This new legal duty will apply to certain premises and event organisers, requiring them to consider how they would respond to a terrorist attack and to put proportionate procedures in place to reduce the risk of harm.

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, commonly known as Martyn’s Law, is named in tribute to Martyn Hett, one of the 22 people killed in the Manchester Arena attack.

On 15 April, the Home Office issued statutory guidance to help organisations and businesses, including shops and restaurants, understand how to prepare.

Larger premises and events, such as concerts and sports stadiums, where 800 or more people will be present, will be required to take additional steps to reduce their vulnerability to acts of terrorism. These may include measures such as having CCTV, bag search policies, or vehicle checks where appropriate.

Following the publication of the Home Office guidance, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) has launched a public consultation on how it intends to carry out its role as regulator for Martyn’s Law and support compliance. The consultation will close on 12 June and people can take part here.

While further clarification will be provided following the outcome of the consultation, premises and event organisers are encouraged to begin preparing now.

For details of free training and support, including a two-hour session delivered by Adult Learning North Yorkshire, visit the North Yorkshire Local Protect and Prepare webpage.

Consultations

Parks and Open Spaces Satisfaction Survey

North Yorkshire Council wants to make sure our parks and open spaces are great places for everyone to enjoy and we would like to hear your views.

To complete the survey, follow the link here: Parks and open spaces satisfaction survey

Please also find attached a copy of the questions should you wish to use them for your Parish Meetings.

Town Investment Plans (TIPs)

There are multiple TIP consultations currently open for comment, including:

• Pickering, closing date 31 May
• Grassington and Threshfield 7 June

To make sure each investment plan reflects local priorities we are inviting residents, business owners and visitors to share their views on their local town and how you think it could be improved.

To visit the consultation page, click here - Current consultations | North Yorkshire Council

Bradleys Both Neighbourhood Development Plan

A seven-week consultation on the proposed modified neighbourhood plan for Bradleys Both Parish (near Skipton) is underway.

The Bradleys Both Neighbourhood Development Plan was made/adopted by NYC in September 2023.  The Parish Council has submitted, to North Yorkshire Council, a draft modified plan to include an additional proposed Local Green Space designation.  The proposed modified neighbourhood plan is intended to guide future developments in the parish.

The independent consultation will run from Monday 20 April until midnight on Wednesday 3^rd June 2026.  To view the documents and have your say on the proposal, please visit the consultation portal at: https://northyorks-consult.objective.co.uk/kse/

Help Create a Sustainable Future for York and North Yorkshire

The Combined Authority is seeking views in the region’s pathway to a sustainable future. The eight-week public consultation is open until June 10th.

The Strategy will support healthy and thriving communities, transform our economy, and help York and North Yorkshire lead the way to become England's first carbon negative region by 2040.

The consultation is simple to complete, and open to everyone in the region, and can be accessed https://bit.ly/4smGEoS

Alternative formats of the consultation materials are available, including printed material. Please contact energy@yorknorthyork-ca.gov.uk  if this are needed.

Health and Wellbeing

Be Tick Aware

Ticks are most active in the UK from March to October, with most bites commonly reported during May and June.  They can carry pathogens (microorganisms that cause disease) such as Lyme disease and, more rarely, tick-borne encephalitis.

Ticks live in many different outdoor environments, often found in woodland, rough upland or moorland pastures, heathland, grazed grasslands and some urban parks.

You are more at risk of being bitten when taking part in activities such as hiking, cycling or camping, but ticks can also sometimes be found in urban gardens.

When you are enjoying the outdoors be tick aware and where possible:

• use an insect repellent that prevents ticks
• wear long sleeves and long trousers to prevent direct skin exposure
• keep to clearly defined paths and avoid brushing against vegetation
• check for ticks on young children, around their heads and necks
• when you’re back indoors, check for any ticks on you, your children and pets

if you find a tick, safely remove it as soon as possible using fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal device

Read more on the UKHSA website - https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2024/03/21/what-is-lyme-disease-and-why-do-we-need-to-be-tick-aware/

Have Your Say

Parish Consultation Panel

Our current survey, the purpose of which is to review the effectiveness of the Parish Liaison’s outreach activity, is still open for comment until May 1^st. We will share the results once they have been collated and reviewed.

The next survey will launch on May 11^th and will be to review the Parish Charter. The Parish Charter defines how local city, town and parish councils and meetings work together with North Yorkshire Council for the benefit of local people in North Yorkshire.

To have your say on a wide range of topics that affect you, email parishliaison@northyorks.gov.uk and ask to become part of the Parish Consultation Panel.

Research Opportunities in Rural Communities

The NIHR Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) North Yorkshire are currently recruiting members for the Public Advisory Group; a new group of North Yorkshire residents who will help shape how research is developed with the council.
Members of the Public Advisory Group will:

• Share their views and lived experience to help guide local research priorities
• Support an inclusive approach to involving people and communities in research
• Work alongside researchers and North Yorkshire Council to help ensure research addresses local needs

They are looking for up to 20 people from across North Yorkshire, including individuals with an interest in research relating to health and rural communities.

People who are recruited to the advisory group will receive thank you payments for their time, and reasonable expenses and travel costs will also be covered.

To express an interest, please email HDRC@hull.ac.uk by Sunday 17 May.

Training and Funding

Training

FY25/26 Carbon Emission Training

North Yorkshire Council’s Climate Change team are running an online training session to support parish councils in calculating their FY25/26 carbon emissions.

The session will be suitable for parish councils at all stages of their emissions journey, from those that have already begun, to those that have never considered emissions monitoring before.

The training will provide a practical introduction to emissions monitoring, including a demonstration of how to use the Local Partnerships’ Greenhouse Gas Accounting Tool and a chance to get your questions answered.

The session is scheduled for August, shortly after the annual update of the Greenhouse Gas Accounting Tool, ensuring that attendees are working with the most up‑to‑date version of the tool and data. Please check your emails this week for an invite. We aim to record the session to share afterwards.

Free Community Bleed Kit Awareness Training

We’re pleased to share a FREE 2‑hour Community Bleed Kit Awareness Course available for local organisations, community groups and Parish Councils.

The training can be delivered at your premises (if suitable) or hosted at one of the provider’s locations. A minimum of 6 learners is required.

Participants will learn how to:

• Respond to different types of bleeding
• Use tourniquets, dressings and haemostatic dressings
• Apply chest seals
• Gain confidence using community bleed kits through demonstrations and hands‑on practice

Open to adults aged 19+ (as of 31/08/25).
No previous experience is needed, and all equipment is provided.

If your group would benefit from this training, please get in touch with Lynne Holt Lynne.Holt@northyorks.gov.uk to arrange a session.

York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub newsletter

Sign up to the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub newsletter to keep up to date with free business support, funding opportunities, training, and resources to help strengthen local communities and the organisations that serve them.

Sign up here - Free business support in York & North Yorkshire | Y&NY Growth Hub

Strengthening Communities – Free Awareness Sessions

North Yorkshire Adult Learning Service is offering a range of free sessions to support volunteers, community groups, Parish Councils and organisations. Topics include safeguarding, Martyn’s Law, county lines, CPR, bleed kits, equality and volunteering.

Many sessions can also lead to accredited qualifications.

Find out more: northyorks.gov.uk/adultlearning
Call: 01609 536 066 | Email: AdultLearningService@northyorks.gov.uk

Grants

Clean Energy Generation Projects

Government and Great British Energy (GBE) have announced £1billion in funding for local, clean energy generation projects.
Mayor, David Skaith highlighted the opportunity for York and North Yorkshire to lead the way toward becoming England’s first carbon negative region by 2040.

GBE’s Local Power Plan will support projects such as solar installations on:

• Libraries
• Leisure centres
• Miners’ welfare clubs.

This could mean further investment opportunities for community buildings locally!

For more information, click here - Funding for local, clean energy generation projects

Caremark Community Care Fund

Three grants of £3,000 available nationally, supporting grassroots initiatives that bring communities together, improve wellbeing and create positive impact, such as equipment for community groups, food banks, community centres, green spaces and inclusive activities.
Deadline: 31 May 2026.

Caremark Community Care Fund

Grass Roots Grants – Groundwork

Groundwork is working with People’s Postcode Lottery for a third year to deliver Grassroots Grants. This year, the programme will provide unrestricted funding of up to £2,000 to 700 small, local organisations in England that are making a positive difference in their communities.

Funding can be used for core organisational costs that support the important work organisations deliver in their communities. The funding offered is unrestricted and therefore flexible and can be used where it is most needed.

Eligible organisations whose income is up to £25,000 in the last financial year can apply up to September 2026.

Grassroots Grants - Groundwork

Wild Little Spaces

Funding and support is available for community groups, schools and parish councils with spaces under one hectare. Projects should focus on climate action, and could include micro-woodlands, sustainable drainage, exercise or play spaces that connect people with nature.

If you’ve got a small space and big ideas, contact landscapeservices@ydmt.org

Village Green | Wild little spaces

Get Involved

North Yorkshire Council Community Awards

The annual North Yorkshire Community Awards are now open for nominations.  The awards celebrate the voluntary work carried out by people and organisations countywide in three categories:

Wellbeing & Community Connection - Recognising organisations or groups who support people in their communities to feel healthier, more connected and included

Inclusive Communities - Recognising organisations or groups who bring people together and help them flourish

Commitment to the Community - recognising individual volunteers who have demonstrated unwavering dedication and exceptional service to our community.

Go to www.northyorks.gov.uk/communityawards to make a nomination by 5 July 2026.

Please share with anyone you think may be interested in making a nomination.

Community Energy Scheme

Interested in developing a Community Energy scheme? There is support available from susan.manson@teesvalley-ca.gov.uk at the Net Zero Hub. If you already have an idea for a community energy project, you can add it to the GB expression of interest form, you can also sign up for updates on the GB energy) here - Express your interest | Great British Energy

Coast-to-Coast, Become a Local Listener – Paid Opportunity

People’s Powerhouse is looking for people to have meaningful conversations in their community as part of the Coast-to-Coast project. As a Local Listener, you’ll gather insights about everyday life and local decision-making, helping ensure real voices are heard. This is a flexible, paid opportunity with full training provided. Please see the attached poster for more and for more information, email abbie@peoplespowerhouse.org.uk or James@peoplespowerhouse.org.uk

International Dark Skies

Internation Dark Skies week ran from the 13^th to 19^th April but we’re continuing to promote this cause.

We're very lucky to have beautiful skies in North Yorkshire, with both our National Parks designated as International Dark Sky Reserves. Everyone can play their part in protecting our skies by following the five principles of responsible outdoor lighting:

• Useful - Only use light if it's really needed
• Targeted - Direct light so it falls only where it's needed by using shielding and aiming your light
• Low level - Light should be no brighter than necessary
• Controlled - Use light only when it's needed with controls like timers or motion sensors
• Warm-coloured - Use warmer colour lights where possible

Find out more about the five principles: Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting | DarkSky International

Community First Yorkshire – Community Buildings Network

CfY have access to a wealth of practical guides and toolkits to help you manage your building – from energy efficiency to safeguarding. Do get in touch if you would like to access the national Village Hall Information Sheets or other documents. Email info@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk.

The Community Buildings Network is open to all those involved in running community buildings in North Yorkshire. It’s an opportunity to hear about new resources and policy development, to explore topics of interest in detail and to share experiences and knowledge with others running community buildings.

The Network meetings are hosted by development officers and are a mix of in-person and virtual events. The agendas are shaped by requests from attendees and current issues facing community buildings.

Community buildings network - Community First Yorkshire

North Yorkshire Community Messaging

North Yorkshire Community Messaging is a free email messaging service from North Yorkshire Policy and the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, providing news and updates on policing matters that are relevant to you and your local community.

Sign up and receive email alerts about policing activity and initiatives in your local area as well as crime prevention advice and information. You will also have the opportunity to reply directly to your neighbourhood team and provide feedback via surveys.

This is a free service, and you can change your communication preferences at any time.

Sign up at www.NYCM.uk

Parish Liaison, Devolution and Community Rights Team Update

Assets of Community Value

If you want to contact our team about Assets of Community Value (ACV), you can get in touch via email at AssetsofCommunityValue.NYC@northyorks.gov.uk or through the contact form on the website. The complete list of ‘Assets of Community Value’ can be found on the Register of Assets of Community Value page on our website.

Decisions

Both were successful and have now been included on the Register of Assets of Community Value.

• Borough Bowling Club | North Yorkshire Council
• Starbeck Swimming Pool | North Yorkshire Council

Live Nominations

There are two current Asset of Community Value nominations pending a decision, the date for decisions on this is 3 June 2026 and further information will be published after:

• Fairburn Church Hall, Fairburn | North Yorkshire Council
• Reeth Medical Centre, Richmond | North Yorkshire Council

Assets of Community Value Subject to Potential Disposal / Live Moratorium Periods

Moratoriums are periods of time during which the owner of land listed as an Asset of Community Value cannot make a non-exempt relevant disposal, other than to an eligible voluntary or community body. There are two types of moratorium periods, both running from the same start date (when the owner notifies the local authority of an intention to sell):

• The interim moratorium - six weeks
• The full moratorium - six months

There are two ACVs currently in moratorium periods:

• The Golden Lion, Helperby. Interim moratorium period ending at midnight on 30^th April 2026, more information can be found here
• Horton School Playing Field, Horton in Ribblesdale. Full moratorium period ending at midnight on 13^th July 2026, more information can be found here

Virtual Drop-in

Just to remind you that the Parish Liaison Team hold ‘virtual surgeries’ which give Town/Parish Clerks the opportunity to book an appointment, meet the Parish Liaison team and discuss any queries specific to their parish. They are hosted via Microsoft Teams on the 2^nd Tuesday of every month between 10am and 12pm and on the 3^rd Wednesday of every month between 2pm and 4pm.

If you would like to book an appointment to attend an on-line surgery please contact the Parish Liaison Team at parishliaison@northyorks.gov.uk and a member of the team will be back in touch to confirm your booking.  When booking an appointment please indicate a date and time that would be convenient and provide a brief description as to the nature of your enquiry.

The next round of surgeries will be held on:

• Tuesday May 12^th
• Wednesday May 20^th