David Whittle

Noon - 4:00pm

Email the studio

Whitney Houston

I Have Nothing

Listen Live

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

Harrogate businesses log 57 town-centre incidents in eight weeks

More than 50 incidents have been reported through a new safety scheme for businesses in Harrogate town centre.
Ripon footfall rises following summer of city events

Footfall in Ripon city centre has increased following a summer of major events and family activities.
Racegoers invited to take part in Ripon Races Onesie Derby

Racegoers are being invited to wear their best animal onesies for a special race at Ripon Racecourse this Bank Holiday Monday.
Popular Harrogate café to host early-morning coffee rave

An early-morning coffee rave featuring a live DJ and percussionist is coming to Harrogate this autumn.
Councillor calls for answers over Knaresborough EE coverage

A Knaresborough councillor is calling for answers from EE following continued reports of poor mobile coverage across the town.
Harrogate ticketless parking rollout scheduled for autumn

New ticketless parking machines are set to be installed in council-run car parks across Harrogate and Ripon this autumn.
Town defender Cathal Heffernan joins Cambridge United

Harrogate Town defender Cathal Heffernan has joined Cambridge United for an undisclosed fee.
Ripon farmer shortlisted for prestigious national award

A farmer near Ripon has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award after transforming the way his family farm operates.
Festival crowds expected to make Leeds station busier than ever

Rail passengers travelling through Leeds are being advised to allow extra time for their journeys over the bank holiday weekend.
Free Harrogate run club grows beyond 100 members

A popular free Harrogate running club has grown to more than 100 members.
Harrogate theatre company to stage Legally Blonde musical

A Harrogate-based theatre company is bringing the hit musical Legally Blonde to the stage in Leeds.
Harrogate MP launches 'save our high streets' campaign

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has launched a plan aimed at supporting struggling high streets and local businesses.
Harrogate Bee Social celebrates 'brilliant' first year

A Harrogate community group which helps local women make new friends is celebrating its first anniversary.
Railway station's beer festival to start next weekend

A weekend of steam trains, real ales and live music is coming to the Yorkshire Dales as the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway gets set to host its Branch Line Weekend & Beer Festival.
Neurodivergent Harrogate mum opens up on 'permanent anxiety' during pregnancy

A Harrogate mum has opened up about experiencing "permanent anxiety" during pregnancy as part of a campaign calling for greater awareness of neurodivergent motherhood.
Thousands expected for Autumn Flower Show's 50th anniversary

More than 30,000 visitors are expected at Newby Hall as the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show celebrates its 50th anniversary.
North Yorkshire Council chief executive to retire after almost 40 years

North Yorkshire Council’s chief executive Richard Flinton has announced he will retire from his role at the end of March next year.
Fashion brand to open first northern store in Harrogate

British fashion brand Scamp & Dude is set to open its first permanent store in the North in Harrogate.
Harrogate MP set for Great North Run in aid of local hospice

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon is preparing to take part in the Great North Run in aid of Saint Michael's Hospice.
Ripley Castle to open after dark for ghost tours

Ripley Castle is set to open its doors after dark for a series of ghost tours.