A group of councillors has called for greater transparency and community consultation before North Yorkshire Council commits to purchasing Resolution House.
North Yorkshire Council’s Executive is set to meet next week to deliberate on the potential acquisition of Resolution House in Scarborough. While the property currently carries a guide price of £4.5 million, officials have yet to disclose the final purchase price or the comprehensive financial implications of the deal to the public.
In response to the proposal, a coalition comprising all five Green Party councillors and Independent Councillor Rich Maw has issued a joint plea for caution. The group has raised concerns regarding the lack of transparency surrounding the funding of the project and the absence of a clear strategy for the council’s existing property portfolio.
Official reports indicate that the council is considering the future disposal of the Town Hall, Pavilion House, the former Comet building, and Ryedale House to offset costs. However, the councillors involved argue that such significant structural changes should not be handled in a piecemeal fashion or rushed through without meaningful engagement with local residents.
Councillor Rich Maw, representing the Weaponness and Ramshill ward, expressed frustration over the lack of dialogue with the community. He noted that the move raises fundamental questions about the future of civic functions and public access to council services.
"Local councils should be involved in discussions about changes that could affect how and where services are delivered. I understand concerns have been raised that the Town Council has not been properly consulted, and there are still unanswered questions about where meetings and civic functions would take place in the future."
The call for a more strategic approach to property management has been echoed by Councillor Andy Brown of the Green Party. He argues that the council must prioritise long-term sustainability rather than isolated acquisitions.
"It is all very good and fine that North Yorkshire Council acquire expensive new buildings - but only IF it is also selling off many more to pay for it. We need a review of all council assets and a plan to maximise cost and carbon savings. Then we can be ready to react quickly to opportunities like this. We’re not in a financial position to be saying we’ll buy now and find the money later."
Councillor Kevin Foster, also representing the Green Party, emphasised the necessity of rigorous financial oversight before any contracts are signed. He suggested that residents require assurances that the council is acting in their best interests regarding both their finances and the accessibility of services.
"Any proposal that involves purchasing a new building and potentially moving services away from existing town-centre sites needs careful scrutiny. Residents will rightly expect the council to fully examine the financial case, long-term costs, and the impact on access to services before any decision is made. The Green and Independent Group will be seeking assurances that full due diligence and consultation has been carried out."
The decision on whether to proceed with the acquisition of Resolution House rests with the council’s Executive, with the matter scheduled for debate in the coming days.
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