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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

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