YORK's city council and parish councils have signed a new agreement over how they will work together.

The city council's deputy leader Cllr Keith Aspden, and the chairman of the York branch of Yorkshire Local Councils Associations (YLCA) Cllr Peter Powell put their names to the most recent version of the York Parish Charter this week.

Cllr Aspden said: "Parish councils are the grass roots of our local democracy and play an invaluable role across York. I welcome this new charter which will help strengthen the relationship between City of York Council and parish councils.

"By working together in partnership we can improve outcomes for residents and ensure the voice of local communities is always heard."

The Parish Charter was first agreed in 1996 and has been regularly reviewed since. The latest incarnation includes two major changes - on equalities and to encourage information sharing to improve things for residents.

There are 31 parish councils in the City of York area.