Prior to April 2023, North Yorkshire was divided into eight different boroughs and districts, each with their own council. These councils were responsible for a number of public services including council tax, housing, waste disposal, and more. There was also a separate council for the entire county, called North Yorkshire County Council; this was responsible for additional public services across the whole area including education, transport, and social care. 

On 1 April 2023, these councils were replaced by a single unitary council, now called North Yorkshire Council. This new council is responsible for all public services across North Yorkshire. The district and borough councils, including Scarborough Borough Councils, no longer exist.

This decision was made with the intention of saving money and joining up services so they are more straightforward for local people and businesses. The council estimates that this change will deliver savings of betweeen £30 million and £70 million each year, to help protect key local services as costs increase. 

If you need information or to contact the council, you can head to their website: www.northyorks.gov.uk. Here you can find out information about a wide range of local and public services including:

• Bin collection days and nearby recycling centres
• Council tax - rememeber, students are exempt from paying council tax!
• Roadworks and parking permits
• Housing and homelessness in North Yorkshire
• Benefits and support funds
• Support for carers
• Childcare, activities for children, and the SEND Local Offer
• Museums, parks, libraries, and leisure facilities
• Volunteering opportunities and community events
• Healthy living and support for alchohol and drug issues
• Contacting your local councillor