A LONG-SERVING senior councillor is to step down as leader of a district council in May, after being appointed to two regional committees.

Arthur Barker, leader of Hambleton District Council for the past seven years, announced his decision at a meeting of the full council this afternoon.

Members also approved a council tax rise at the meeting, while residents in the neighbouring Ryedale district will face a modest increase in their rates.

Coun Barker told colleagues that he wants to commit more time to external responsibilities, after recently being appointed chairman of the Yorkshire and Humber independent sustainability board.

From April, he will also take over as chairman of the Yorkshire regional flood defence committee.

He said: "I have seen through a great many changes in my time as leader, not least the exciting shared work with our neighbours, Richmondshire.

"I remain proud of the fact we still have one of the lowest council taxes in the country, while at the same time provide our residents with high quality services.

"These appointments give me the chance to pursue sustainability and flood defence in greater depth."

After Coun Barker’s announcement, members debated plans for a council tax rise of £2.18 a year.

They backed the planned 4p per week tax rise, bringing the charge for a Band D property to £89.48 a year.

Coun Barker said: "We charge one of the lowest council taxes in the country and our residents benefit from that.

"Even with this small increase we are still one of the lowest charging councils in the country."

When charges from North Yorkshire County Council, police and fire authorities and parishes are added, the average annual bill for a Band D property will be £1,413.61.

Meanwhile, Ryedale District Council agreed not to impose any increase to its section of the bill.

Its services will cost Band D property owners £176.72 a year, or £3.40 a week.

Council officers were asked to set a zero tax rise to combat the financial problems faced by residents.

The bill includes increases levied by the other precepting authorities, leading to a final charge, for a Band D property, of £1,500.85.