North York Moors National Park
 

Authority Services

How the Authority works

 

North York Moors National Park Logo
The North York Moors became a National Park in 1952. In 1995 it became a National Park Authority independent of the County Council. The National Park Authority Members operate in a similar way to any other local authority councillors.

The purposes and duties of National Parks in England and Wales, which are set out in the 1995 Environment Act, form the guiding principles of the North York Moors National Park Authority.

They are:

  • to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park
  • to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the Park by the public

National Parks must also seek to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities and at the same time, ensure that the use and enjoyment of the natural and cultural resources should not, in overall terms, destroy them.

These form the basis of the North York Moors National Park Management Plan and this is the framework in which National Park Members and staff work. The Plan sets out the Authority's aims and objectives and enables us all to work towards our Vision for the future of the North York Moors.

The National Park Authority has Members who, in some ways, are like the board of directors of a company.

All 22 Members meet at least quarterly and are responsible for making decisions in relation to the functions of the National Park Authority, determining the Authority's policies and ensuring that resources are properly allocated.

Members of the public can attend and ask questions at Authority Meetings. Some of the responsibilities and powers of the Authority are delegated to Committees. You can download the Scheme of Delegation to Committees. There are also a number of working groups which don't have delegated powers but act as a forum for discussion and make recommendations to the Authority.

Officers implement the policies and decisions of the Members of the Authority. Certain powers and functions are delegated directly to them. You can download the Scheme of Delegation to Officers and the Financial Regulations.