THERE are fresh warnings that council services could face disruptions due to staff self-isolating as Covid infections in Harrogate reach record levels. Some services including swimming pools and tourist information centres have yet to return to normal since lockdown and there are now concerns that they could be hit by more staff being alerted by the NHS Covid-19 app. Councillor Richard Cooper, leader of Harrogate Borough Council, said people should not expect that public services, also including bin collections, will be “immune” to the same disruptions seen in the private sector at retail and hospitality businesses. He told a meeting on Wednesday: “Many of the services that have reopened such as pools, gyms and the whole of the leisure sector employ people who are predominately young – and these people are those who have either had one or jab or no jabs yet.
Mr Jenrick said the decision was a “significant step” towards ensuring the people and businesses across North Yorkshire can in future have “sustainable high-quality local services they deserve”.
He added that the decision showed the Government remains “committed to devolving power to people and places across the UK”.
“We are open to devolution where there is strong local leadership, whether supported by two tier local government, unitary structures or various joint arrangements,” he said.
The decision has divided political figures across the county.
Leader of North Yorkshire County Council, Councillor Carl Les said: “We are pleased that this has been recognised by the Government as the right thing for the future, but now we have to work together between the two tiers to make the transition as good as possible for the benefit of our residents, our businesses and the many staff that we employ as well.