During August Julian dropped by the Skipton Auction Mart to see the sale and store of lambs and spoke with Auctioneer, Ted Ogden, regarding the state of business and the wider rural economy. Continuing on the theme of the rural economy Julian also attended the Kilnsey Show. Notwithstanding the light rain during the show, it was a great turnout with livestock competitions, equine events, baking, handicrafts and horticulture displays. Julian spoke to local businesses, farmers and attendees about the importance of rural businesses and the wider rural economy.
Julian also continued his active engagement with constituents by meeting with the Head of Weddings at the Coniston Hotel, Katie Flanagan, to discuss the case for celebrants to be able to do the role of council registrars and ensure weddings do not have to be broken up between ceremony and official marriage registration.
Julian also met with members of the Burton in Lonsdale community regarding the acquisition of the local pub, The Punch Bowl, which is facing permanent closure. The community has said they wish to bring the community's last remaining pub into community ownership. The community needs to raise a minimum of £275,000 to buy the pub, not including any refurbishment or stocks.
Julian has supported the communities' efforts to gain access to the Community Ownership Fund and will continue to do so as they have worked hard and been successful in getting funding from the local community.
Another highlight was the visit to the Square and Compass at North Rigton to discuss hospitality. Julian was invited for an introductory meeting with Paul Stephenson, Operations Manager for Malvern Inns, who employs 100 staff over two venues. During the meeting, Mr Stephenson raised concerns regarding recruitment and retention of staff in rural areas compared to metropolitan areas as well as input costs and taxation.
Julian was also introduced to a member of their staff who helped him pull a pint.
Moving onto county-wide issues, Julian met with the new Mayor of York & North Yorkshire, David Skaith, and had a wide-ranging discussion on topics such as housing and more funds for public toilets in the most rural areas. During the meeting, Julian made the case that Skipton and Ripon’s rural nature must be considered when decisions are being made for the area as a whole.
Julian also used some of his time away from Westminster to travel to Northallerton to meet with North Yorkshire Council (NYC) executives. Julian met with the Chief Executive of NYC Richard Flinton, and council leader Cllr Carl Les. The trio discussed initiatives the council is taking on affordable housing and how it is using the benefits of the second home premium - a council tax surcharge that may be imposed on properties that are furnished but not used as a person’s primary residence, such as holiday homes.
Julian also met with Stuart Carlton, the Corporate Director of Children and Young People’s Service at NYC, to discuss the rise in demand for special education needs and disabilities (SEND) services in North Yorkshire. Julian also raised individual concerns brought to him by parents across the constituency and Mr Carlton relayed concerns back to Julian to take up with the Government in Westminster.
Overall, August was a busy month packed full of meetings and events across the constituency and beyond. Parliament has now returned from recess and Julian remains available to his constituents, encouraging them to reach out for support or to share their concerns by contacting him at [email protected].
