WhatnextforWtY? Accounts fail transparency test

WELCOME TO Yorkshire’s failure to submit its annual accounts when so many people, and businesses, are willing the tourism body to get on with the job of promoting the county at this crucial time will do little for the public standing of the beleaguered organisation.

As Channel Five’s brilliant adaptation of All Creatures Great and Small has confirmed, Yorkshire continues to attract a global following like no other thanks to its spectacular scenery and this county’s world- renowned hospitality.

But WtY risks fresh questions about its ability to perform this role, and its commitment to transparency, given how its financial struggles have become ever- more apparent in spite of its staffing levels being at least halved.

Chief executive James Mason and chairman Peter Box faced an invidious task trying to stabilise the organisation in the wake of Sir Gary Verity’s departure 18 months ago, and the scandals that followed, even before the Covid crisis struck. But WtY will struggle to move forward, and focus on its primary mission, until it can reassure stakeholders that its finances are in order.

Mr Mason argues that the uncertainty over local authority funding, coupled with the knock- on effects of lockdown on tourism, has thrown his own good intentions off course and that the plan is to submit accounts by the end of the year and accept any financial censure imposed by Companies House.

But the delaying tactic actually risks exacerbating the cash crisis if any further Yorkshire councils, already agonising at length over a £ 1.4m taxpayer- funded bailout of WtY, now think again. And then what? Over to you, Mr Mason.