Major projects at risk over funding pressures

Major projects in North Yorkshire could be cancelled if new funding cannot be found, a council has warned.

North Yorkshire Council took over a number of schemes begun by the former district and borough councils in 2023 following its inception in 2003.

However, with the authority forecasting an annual deficit of between £30m and £35m due to rising costs and government funding cuts it said it had to prioritise statutory services such as health, children and vulnerable adults.

Among the capital projects under threat are the relocation of Malton's Livestock Market and the redevelopment of Sherburn Town Centre.

The council's deputy leader and executive member for finance and resources, Gareth Dadd, said the authority was looking at prioritising schemes which were not already under way.

"All those legacy projects that have been hoped for in years to come, quite frankly, they ain't going to be a priority financially when competing against some of the real deep moral issues that we're having to deal with."

He said the it was right the council took a "fresh look" at these projects.

"It's about a business case coming forward and then making the cut against what is vitally important to this authority, but more importantly to the residents that we're trying to protect and serve."

The plan to relocate Malton's Livestock Market will only move forward if it is still considered a priority after a business case considering all the funding options was prepared.

Improvement work to Sherburn Town Centre is also at risk after delays resulted in the loss of the shared prosperity funding needed to complete it.

Meanwhile, a legacy scheme relating to the Wyvern Park Industrial Estate in Skipton could also be halted until a new business case and funding options are considered.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, a report to the council's executive also stated the redevelopment of the former Argos Site and Market Place Regeneration Project, in Scarborough, has already been dropped.

Councillors have also been warned several schemes already begun were at risk of costing more than planned and could overrun.

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.