National Park Authorities are governed by a board (22 members in the case of the Yorkshire Dales) whose membership is split into three sections:

• a half plus one of the seats are taken by county and district councillors;
• a quarter less one by parish council nominations; and
• the remainder filled by the Secretary of State to represent the national interest.

Currently, the Yorkshire Dales National Park does not cover land within Lancashire County Council, Lancaster City Council or Eden District Council. Since each local authority is entitled to at least one member on the Authority, the membership of the National Park Authority would have to be re-distributed if the proposed extensions go ahead. The precise composition of National Park Authorities is determined by way of a Statutory Order made by the Secretary of State following confirmation of any boundary variations, and normally following consultation with the local authorities concerned and Natural England.

The Lake District National Park Authority would not gain any additional authorities since Cumbria County Council, Eden District Council and South Lakeland District Council are all already represented on the Lake District National Park Authority. A matter for consideration may be whether a substantial increase in the area of one authority (eg. Eden District, should the Orton Fells be included in that National Park) should result in a rebalancing of seats.