BEVERLEY – Town and parish councils across East Riding could soon take greater control of local services under a devolution plan set to be debated at tomorrow’s full council meeting.
The Liberal Democrats are proposing a phased transfer of responsibilities such as street cleaning and park maintenance to local town and parish councils, arguing that it will improve service delivery and give communities a stronger voice in local decision-making.
“We all know that the best decisions are made locally,” said Councillor Tom Astell, who is bringing the motion forward. “Town and parish councils are already deeply connected to their communities, and they know what services are most needed. By giving them more control, we can improve service quality, increase efficiency, and reduce costs.”
The plan follows similar devolution models in North Lincolnshire and Cornwall, where smaller local councils have assumed greater responsibility for services normally run by larger unitary authorities. The Liberal Democrats argue that these examples show how handing decision-making power to those closest to the issues can lead to better outcomes for residents.
Councillor Denis Healy, leader of the Liberal Democrat group, described the proposal as a “bold plan for a more responsive and sustainable future.”
“By devolving services to the local level, we’re not just improving efficiency—we’re strengthening our communities. This is about ensuring that local decisions are made by those who understand their areas best,” he said.
The motion outlines a structured review process to assess the capacity and resources of town and parish councils before any services are transferred. The aim, according to the Liberal Democrats, is to ensure a smooth and effective transition.
Key benefits of the proposal include faster, more tailored services, more efficient use of taxpayers’ money, and greater local decision-making power.
The Beverley Review approached the Conservative leadership of East Riding Council for comment, but at the time of publication, no response had been received. Notification of the motion was given late in the day, and if a statement is provided, we will update accordingly.
The motion will be debated at County Hall in Beverley tomorrow at a full meeting of East Riding Council. The Liberal Democrats are urging councillors to back the proposal and give communities across East Riding more control over the services that affect them.
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