NorthYorksCouncil_Leader

I have been privileged to know 3 survivors, not Jewish or else they would not likely have survived the Final Solution. Just Poles, 2 teachers who could see through the Nazi lies, and one the council leader of my Dad’s town. Sobering to think I too would be on a Gestapo list today

I was taken by my Polish dad to visit Auschwitz as a young boy in 1968, memory stays with me still and I hope has influenced my thinking over my life. On this 75th anniversary of their liberation I’m in London to meet other county council leaders to share problems and solutions.

Great news that the north of North Yorkshire is connected by air to most corners of the British Isles but especially the very business part of London City. Well done @BenHouchen . Another commitment delivered.

Spent a pleasant hour this morning in the Mercer Art Gallery in Harrogate viewing the Turner collection. A prolific master of his art who spent a considerable time on tour in North Yorkshire. Real bonus was the two Grimshaws owned by Harrogate council.

And not forgetting economy! 2 routes in particular will give a lift to the Dales hit so recently by biblical flooding. But it is about cycling in essence and there was a whoop in the room when it was announced that once again a stage would go over Buttertubs! Awesome!

Great to take part in the routes for TdY 2020, and to see so much will showcase our part of Yorkshire to the nation and the world. As cycling organiser Christian Prudhomme said this is more than cycling, it’s culture, heritage, education. I would add community too! Can’t wait!

Of all the consultations on the go at the moment, this is one of the most impactful and important

Well organised conference with many interesting sessions where I learnt a lot personally. This morning’s session on county lines / drug issues was very worrying and although it’s agreed we can’t arrest our way out of the problem, the Police and Crime Panel will seek reassurances.

Just back from County Council Network conference. Always good to meet other leaders to share concerns and solutions, and NYCC is seen as an exemplar, esp in Children’s Services, commercial and financial management. A number of councils will be visiting us to share our experiences

Excellent conference today with our voluntary sector and other partners deciding how we can work better together, finishing off with our community awards 2019. As I said NY is the better place for their efforts.

Good exchange of views today between Rural Commission chaired by @RiponDean and a group I will chair of local govt leaders, Nat Park chairs and LEP chair @bizinspiredgrow . We may have different roles but we share a common cause. RC will now publish how they will gather evidence.

Launched NY Rural Commission today to look afresh at the challenges faced by rural communities. Grateful to the commissioners offering their time and skills to find recommendations for action, especially @RiponDean for chairing.1st meeting tomorrow. Programme of work will follow.

Left home 25 m away in the rain, got to Harrogate in beautiful sunshine. Sadly only time this week I can get across. Very impressive organisation on the ground. Once in a lifetime I guess. Harrogate will be seen all over world and looks great, look fwd to seeing rest of NY on tv

Reflecting #2, all Dales roads now reopened, recovery underway but it will take time, huge respect for the resilience of our rural communities, esp farmers @RishiSunak @RobertJenrick Enjoyed visit to volunteer Easingwoldtourist info compact but perfectly set out @kevinhollinrake

Reflecting on a good week although national politics are confusing and worrying. Good settlement thanks to @RishiSunak @hmtreasury @sajidjavid good news about 2 NY towns in 100 towns, @RobertJenrick . Hope there might be more to come for other jewels in our crown.

this settlement announced yesterday amidst all the turmoil in Westminster is significant and very welcome, esp adult care and SEND, 2 budgets we were finding v challenging. Thanks to Ministers for listening and then helping @RobertJenrick @hmtreasury @sajidjavid @CCNOffice

80 years ago today armies of Nazi Germany invaded my father’s country setting in train a series of events and coincidences that touched nearly every family. Had any of them not happened, quite simply my brother and I would not have been born to live and work in North Yorkshire.

Some really good news on education funding yesterday and today, all schools, colleges +Special Needs. Appears our and County Council Network dialogue with ministers has borne fruit. Will need to check detail next week but very welcome. Hope Chllrs statmnt on Wed equally positive

Excellent Thirsk & Malton area constituency Ctee of NYCC today with @kevinhollinrake . Good dialogue between cllrs and MP showing how local and central govt can work together well for the benefit of the residents we both serve. Good funding settlement is vital to us next week

Great news a temp structure has been dropped into place by NYCC Highways on 1 of the 3 road failures in Swaledale. Another will be done asap allowing Reeth to Richmond road to open by August 16. Disasters often take months if not years to sort. This was days! Well done that team!