Communities across North Yorkshire could be given the chance to take on greater responsibility to run key facilities and services with a proposed countywide approach to promoting grassroots democracy.

The proposed community transfer policy would bring together and formalise existing arrangements that have operated since the launch of the unitary authority in 2023.

It would also introduce transitional arrangements for parish, voluntary and community organisations involved in the double devolution pilot.

North Yorkshire Council is set to work with organisations involved in the double devolution pilot to finalise their proposals by March 31 next year.

In cases where this is not possible, groups would be invited to submit an expression of interest under the community transfer policy.

Proposals to adopt the community transfer policy are due to be considered by members of the council’s executive when they meet on Tuesday next week (July 14).

This approach reflects the commitment to being England’s most local large council by empowering communities to get things done in their area.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for corporate services, Cllr Heather Phillips, said: “Plans to adopt the community transfer policy demonstrates our commitment to giving greater control to parish, voluntary and community organisations.

“The blueprint will empower communities, giving them greater control over key local assets, and making decisions that best reflect local priorities.

“We have always said that our ambition is to be the largest, local council in the country since North Yorkshire Council was launched in 2023, and these proposals are a clear indication of that commitment.

“By replacing previous arrangements, this would be a milestone in bringing democracy closer to residents and granting power to the people.”

Last year, the council’s executive agreed to hand the running of Knaresborough’s weekly Chartered Market to the town council, and it continues to work closely with them to finalise the details.

In April this year, the transfer of Ripon Town Hall to the city council was approved by the executive, when members agreed a long-term lease of the Grade II listed building.

The concept of local devolution involves the responsibility of local council services being given to town or parish councils or local community groups.

This is to help to ensure grassroots democracy is serving local communities and taxpayers’ money is being used as effectively as possible.

The report can be viewed or downloaded as a PDF here – Community Transfer Policy