Your Harrogate Radio

10:00pm - 6:00am

Email the studio

Rod Stewart

Ooh La La

Listen Live Podcasts

MP launches petition for Harrogate Spring Water levy to be spent locally

Tuesday, 29 April 2025 06:55

Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Local MP Tom Gordon has stepped up his campaign to ensure that profits from Harrogate Spring Water's use of the town's name are spent locally.

The MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough has launched a petition calling on local residents to back the campaign and help Harrogate "get the money it deserves."

Harrogate Spring Water pays a levy amounting to 0.5% of its net sales for the use of the town’s name – a contribution which historically went to Harrogate Borough Council.

However, following a local government reorganisation and the abolition of Harrogate Borough Council, this revenue now goes to North Yorkshire Council, which covers a vast area from Scarborough to Selby.

As a result, funds intended to support Harrogate risk being spent miles away.

Tom has spoken publicly about this issue and penned a letter to Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire Council, making the same request.

He said:

"I am continuing my call for the revenue generated from the use of the ‘Harrogate’ name by Harrogate Spring Water to go to the future Harrogate Town Council, not to North Yorkshire Council, where it currently goes.

"Since speaking out on this issue, I have been overwhelmed by the support from local residents who want to see the funds from the Harrogate Spring Water levy spent right here in our town. This petition is a chance for us all to come together and make sure our town gets what it deserves.

"The people of Harrogate deserve the see the value of their town’s name reinvested in their own community – not swallowed up by bureaucracy of a much larger council."

The last payment Harrogate Spring Water made to North Yorkshire Council was £176,806 – nearly half of the future Harrogate Town Council’s budget.

If this levy was redirected to the Town Council, it would represent a 48.84% increase in their budget.

More from Local News

Harrogate Town receives gold award for family matchday experience

Harrogate Town has been awarded a Family Excellence Gold Award for the 2024/25 season for delivering unforgettable matchday experience for families.
Spectacular giant globe artwork is coming to Harrogate

A spectacular giant globe artwork by artist Luke Jerram is coming to Harrogate this summer as part of HACS Harrogate Music Festival.
Appeal following spate of graffiti in Knaresborough

North Yorkshire Police has launched an appeal following a spate of graffiti around the Knaresborough area.
Harrogate BID awarded President's Cup for contribution to local economy

Harrogate BID has been presented with Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce's President's Cup to recognise its contribution to the town.
Specsavers hosts in-store science lesson for Harrogate pupils

Harrogate pupils visited their local opticians to explore the importance of science and how it helps improve everyday life for people with sight and hearing disabilities.
Emmerdale's Olivia Bromley talks to Your Harrogate

Your Harrogate has been getting more gossip from behind-the-scenes on Emmerdale, with the soap's big storyline currently unfolding on screen.
Harrogate apprentice shortlisted for national award

An apprentice at Harrogate's Evolve Psychology is in the running for a national apprenticeship award.
Harrogate's biggest sociable running club continues to grow

A sociable running club in Harrogate has grown into one of the town's biggest after welcoming more than 50 members for its latest jaunt.
Knaresborough's Party in the Castle saved thanks to donations

Knaresborough's free 'Party in the Castle' screening of Glastonbury is set to return following a successful fundraising campaign.
Police appeal after theft from Next in Harrogate

Police have issued an image of an individual they’d like to identify following a theft from Next in Harrogate.
Harrogate's culinary stars shine in 'Chef of the Year' cook-off

Harrogate College hosted a high-pressure cook-off that saw four of the town's most promising chefs compete for the prestigious 'Chef of the Year' title.
Classic Car Run through Harrogate to fundraise for Martin House

A cavalcade of classic cars will tour Yorkshire's roads next month to raise money for Martin House Children's Hospice.
RAF flypast over Harrogate district to commemorate VE Day

A wartime transport aircraft will help commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE-Day with a flypast over the Harrogate district.
Councillors agree to spend an extra £11.7m to "end Kex Gill misery"

Senior North Yorkshire councillors say they have no choice but to spend an extra £11.7m to “end the misery of Kex Gill once and for all”.
Harrogate MP backs homelessness fundraiser

Harrogate MP Tom Gordon has backed a fundraising campaign by leading homelessness charity, the Harrogate Homeless Project.
Harrogate primary school unveils Cherry Blossom 'nurture room'

A Harrogate primary school has unveiled a new Cherry Blossom ‘nurture room’ - a calm space to support pupils' wellbeing.
Nursery's Pyjama Party raises £900 for Harrogate hospice

Five Harrogate nurseries have joined forces to raise more than £900 for Saint Michael's Hospice.
Harrogate karate club celebrates another impressive medal haul

A Harrogate karate club is celebrating yet another impressive medal haul after competing at the British Karate Federation Championships.
Nursery officially opens at Yolk Farm

Yolk Farm has announced the grand opening of Tiddlywinks Nursery - a state-of-the-art facility for "nurturing and educating" the next generation.
Harrogate care firm raises over £800 for cancer research

A Harrogate care firm has raised £870 for charity as part of its latest fundraising challenge.