Your Harrogate Radio

7:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

Cher

Love And Understanding

Listen Live Podcasts

Public asked to share views on Harrogate town council plans

Wednesday, 8 May 2024 09:25

Harrogate does not currently have a parish or town council.

Harrogate residents are being urged to have their say on proposals to create a new town council.

Harrogate is one of just two towns in North Yorkshire which does not have a parish or town council.

And when North Yorkshire Council was launched in April last year, one of the central pledges was that town and parish councils would be allowed to take on greater responsibilities.

Residents of unparished parts of Harrogate have already backed the proposal, with consultations last year showing the majority are in favour.

At that time, the plan was for the town council wards to match those of North Yorkshire Council.

Plans were for two councillors representing nine wards and a further councillor for Saltergate, with 19 councillors in total.

Executive member for corporate services, Cllr David Chance, said:

“The public consultation already carried out has shown that there is widespread support for town councils to be created for both Harrogate and Scarborough.

“We now want to get the wards right so are asking for views on that before the end of this month.

"Then we can take a final decision to introduce the town councils which will provide more democratically-elected voices for both areas which is vital as we deliver key services.”

The town councils would be formed for administrative purposes from 1st April 2025, and the first elections would be on 1st May 2025.

The cost of establishing the town councils would initially be borne by North Yorkshire Council, and then charged back to the new authorities.

Take part in the consultation for Harrogate here. For more information on the process, contact CGR@northyorks.gov.uk

More from Local News

CCTV appeal after e-bike stolen from shed in Harrogate

Police have issued a CCTV image of a man they'd like to speak to after an e-bike was stolen in Harrogate.
Newby Hall near Ripon to feature on BBC tonight

Newby Hall & Gardens is set to feature on BBC Two this evening (Friday).
New campaign encourages wedding goes to 'give the gift of Harrogate'

Harrogate BID have launched a new campaign to encourage wedding goers to 'give the gift of Harrogate'.
Harrogate Town launches new home shirt

Harrogate Town AFC has launched its new home shirt ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Appy Days: Your Harrogate app users given chance to win £1,000

We are set to launch a brand new competition that is exclusively available to Your Harrogate app users.
Transport boss denies blocked gullies to blame for Knaresborough floods

North Yorkshire Council’s Conservative transport boss Keane Duncan has rejected claims that blocked gullies led to homes being flooded in Knaresborough after heavy rainfall.
Harrogate team take on Ringway Challenge to support homeless charity

Members of the team from sustainable IT solutions firm Techbuyer are gearing up to raise money for the Harrogate Homeless Project.
9-year-old boy raises funds for Harrogate disability charity

An entrepreneurial 9-year-old boy from Harrogate has raised much-needed funds for a local charity.
Great Knaresborough Bed Race to revert to old timing system

Organisers of the Great Knaresborough Bed Race will revert back to their 'traditional' timing system when the event returns next month.
£150,000 boost for farmers' health and wellbeing

Farmers and rural communities will benefit from health and wellbeing support across the North of England following a successful £150,000 funding bid.
Harrogate home care service helps reduce elderly hospital admissions

A report released by Carefound Home Care has shown improved quality of life and fewer hospital admissions for older people receiving care at home.
Transparency row overshadows Ripon's mayor-making ceremony

For centuries Ripon's mayor-making ceremony has been a genteel affair where dignitaries including the Dean of Ripon and members of the armed forces observe tradition to usher in the next 12 months of the civic role.
Premier League clubs to meet in Harrogate to consider scrapping VAR

Harrogate will host a crucial meeting between Premier League clubs next month as they consider scrapping VAR.
Council to reinstate Harrogate street sign… with its apostrophe

Grammar sticklers in Harrogate will rest easier after North Yorkshire Council said it will reinstate a controversial street sign with its apostrophe.
Driver of overturned lorry on A1(M) tests positive for drugs

The driver of a lorry that overturned on the A1(M) yesterday (Wednesday) tested positive for drugs, police have revealed.
Construction underway for new retirement community in Knaresborough

Construction of a new 61-bed retirement development is now underway in Knaresborough.
Knaresborough's Lauren Doherty featured in national newspaper

Knaresborough's Lauren Doherty has been featured in a national newspaper for the first time to highlight the amazing work she is doing to promote road safety.
First look inside new fine dining restaurant at Rudding Park

Luxury Harrogate hotel Rudding Park has given a first glimpse inside its new fine dining restaurant.
Henshaws raises record-breaking £26,000 at Beer Festival

Henshaws Beer Festival has raised a record-breaking £26,000 following its return earlier this month.
Local MP calls for more assistance for Knaresborough flood victims

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones has called for more support for the victims of flooding in Knaresborough.