RESIDENTS in Craven are being asked their views as the district council begins its final revenue budget process before it is abolished and replaced by the new North Yorkshire Council on April 1, 2023.

The 2022/23 financial year will be the district's council’s last in existence before it is abolished and replaced by the new North Yorkshire Council on April 1, 2023.

CDC provides a range of services to residents including bin collections, housing and homelessness services, licensing and planning services, environmental health, cleaner neighbourhoods, benefits, and bereavement services.

It also runs Skipton Town Hall and Craven Leisure, owns and manages Aireville Park.

The Revenue Support Grant from the Government reduced to zero in 2019/20. Other grants have also been significantly reduced.

Craven District Council will keep just £177.21 (£3.40 per week) of the £1,872.79 paid in Council Tax by a Craven household in 2021/22 to fund the services it provides (based on an average band D property Council Tax 19/20). The rest will go to North Yorkshire County Council, The Police & Fire Authorities and parish/town councils.

The council was also only allowed to keep £1.6m of the £18m in Business Rates it collected in 2020/21.

The budget consultation began on Thursday 18th November 2021, and will run for four weeks, until 16th December 2021

Craven District Council leader, Councillor Richard Foster, said: “Craven District Council collects your bins, cleans your streets, supports economic growth in the district, helps local community groups and businesses, develops affordable housing, provides excellent leisure and arts facilities, and much, much more.

"For just £3.40 per week, per household, we provide a huge range of services and support to residents here in Craven.

“In the last year, we’ve completed the £4.5 million transformation of Skipton Town Hall and are well underway with our projects to build a new waste depot at Engine Shed Lane, build new affordable housing and enhance historic high streets in Skipton Town Centre.

“We know that setting a balanced budget will not be easy.

“This is why we hope you will give your views on how we spend your money for the final time before we become part of a much larger authority.”

To find out more go to the council's website www.cravendc.gov.uk/yourmoneyyoursay or write to: Budget Survey, Craven District Council, 1 Belle Vue Square, Broughton Road, Skipton, BD23 1FJ.

Email comments to budget@cravendc.gov.uk

The consultation will close at midnight on December 16.