VOTERS go to the polls on Thursday for what has been described as the district's “most important council elections since 1974”.

A total of 33 people have thrown their hats into the ring and are seeking election to be the first nine Craven members of the new North Yorkshire Council when it comes into being in just less than a year’s time.

The new, unitary authority will replace the current system of district, borough and county councils in North Yorkshire and is a result of local government reorganisation – the second shake-up of local councils in almost exactly 50 years. In total, there will be 90 members of the new council, representing 89 divisions.

Those selected following this week’s election will serve as county councillors for the last year of North Yorkshire County Council, and then for the first four years of North Yorkshire Council, which will come into being on April 1, 2023.

Of the 33 candidates standing in Craven, 13 are sitting members of Craven District Council and will continue to serve on the district council until it ceases to exist on March 31 next year. Six candidates are former county councillors, in addition to having seats on the district council, and are seeking re-election to North Yorkshire County Council.

They will be fighting for just one seat on the nine Craven divisions of the new North Yorkshire Council.

Richard Flinton, the county returning officer for the election who is also the chief executive of North Yorkshire County Council, said: “The election on May 5 is such an important day not just for how the new council will be shaped, but also for everyone who lives and works in North Yorkshire.

“This is an opportunity for everyone who is registered to vote to help decide on who they want to represent them at what is a defining moment for North Yorkshire.

“The importance of these elections is hugely significant, as it not only lays the foundations for the decision-makers for the new unitary authority, but it also paves the way for a devolution deal for North Yorkshire and York.”

The Government has stipulated that a key requirement for any devolution deal for North Yorkshire is for the current two-tier system of local government, with the county council and seven district councils, to be replaced by a single unitary authority. City of York Council will continue as a unitary authority to run in tandem with the new North Yorkshire Council.

The deal to hand over decision-making powers and tens of millions of pounds in funding to political leaders in York and North Yorkshire is currently being negotiated with the Government, with an announcement on an offer for devolution expected this summer before public consultations are staged later in the year.

Measures have been taken to ensure that the safety of voters is paramount at polling stations in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Hand sanitiser will be available at the entrances to polling stations, which will be well-ventilated and areas that are touched frequently will be cleaned regularly throughout the day.

While rules governing the wearing of a face covering have been relaxed under national guidance, voters have been urged to consider wearing a covering while mixing with people they would not normally meet at polling stations.

National rules mean that it is no longer legally required to self-isolate if someone tests positive for Covid-19 or has symptoms. However, anyone who has tested positive or is displaying symptoms for the virus is also being advised to stay at home if possible and avoid contact with other people.

Polling stations will be open across the county from 7am until 10pm on May 5. Craven votes will be counted at Skipton Town Hall, on Friday (May 6).

To find out more about the candidates standing for election in Craven, go to: https://www.cravenherald.co.uk/news/20070239.local-elections-2022-candidates-spell-get-vote/