Name:

Rupert Scales

Where do you live (roughly) in the village?
Knaresborough Road, Bishop Monkton

Tell us about your immediate family 
I initially moved to the village in 1987, and my wife, Lisa Scales (née Houseman), has even deeper roots, having moved here in 1979 with her family. While our careers took us away from Yorkshire, our families have been ever present and we married in the Methodist Chapel in the village in 2004. Finally, we moved back “home” to Bishop Monkton three years ago in April with our two teenage daughters. My connection to Bishop Monkton extends to past involvement with the Lamb and Flag, playing for the village cricket team, and taking part in cricket tours. We both have extremely busy working lives but going to the Masons on a Friday evening is when we regroup and enjoy seeing friendly faces at the end of the week!

What is your professional background?
I am a Chartered Accountant with advanced expertise in finance, budgeting, and strategic planning. In my professional career, I am part of the senior leadership team of a large international food business, which involves making impactful decisions in complex environments. I also bring experience in financial analysis and efficient resource management.

What particular skills and experience do you bring to the PC?
My professional background as a Chartered Accountant provides me with extensive financial expertise, enabling me to support the Parish Council in managing its budget with transparency and strategic foresight. Moreover, my experience in leadership roles has honed my ability to develop effective strategies, drive sustainable growth, and navigate complex challenges with confidence.

Having been connected to the community for many years, I bring a strong understanding of Bishop Monkton’s culture, history, and needs, enabling me to represent parishioners effectively. At the same time, my experience of living away from the village and recently returning provides me with a fresh perspective, offering a ‘newcomer’s’ lens that I hope will prove useful in driving progress and ensuring the community evolves to benefit everyone.

Are there particular issues/matters you want to concentrate on?

• Community Development: Advocating for thoughtful local planning that balances housing and infrastructure improvements with the well-being of existing residents. I support sustainable and beneficial development but am firmly committed to addressing infrastructural weaknesses, a concern that is held by many in the village.
• Environment and Sustainability: Maintaining and enhancing green spaces, promoting wildlife conservation, and fostering sustainable initiatives.
• Public Services: Advocating for better infrastructure, improving footpaths, enhancing local transport, and ensuring safety through measures like traffic calming.

What do you hope the Parish Council can achieve for the village? 

I hope the Parish Council will continue to serve as a positive influence for Bishop Monkton, addressing community concerns while protecting and enhancing the village’s unique character and charm. By encouraging open communication and utilising the diverse expertise of its members, the Council can focus on making significant improvements in infrastructure, amenities, and sustainability, all while safeguarding the village’s heritage for generations to come.

You can contact Rupert by email.