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15
May
'A unique occasion': First ever Harrogate Town Council meeting held
History was made last night after the first ever meeting of Harrogate Town Council was held.
The authority was established after the abolition of Harrogate Borough Council in April 2023 left the town with no second tier of local government.
Now, the town council has held its first meeting following an election on May 1 which saw the Liberal Democrats win control of the council after winning 15 of the 19 wards.
Held at the Harrogate Civic Centre last night (May 14), the meeting saw the first Mayor of Harrogate town elected.
Cllr Chris Aldred, Liberal Democrat for High Harrogate ward, was sworn in as mayor and Cllr Jennifer Travena, Liberal Democrat for Fairfax ward, was elected deputy mayor.
Cllr Aldred told the meeting, which was also attended by members of the public, that it was a “honour and a privilege” to serve the town.
He said:
It is an unique occasion and it is a honour and a privilege.
To go from being charter mayor of Harrogate to the first ever town council mayor is a real honour. I did not take much persuading because it will not happen again.
Cllr Aldred added:
We are responsible for improving Harrogate. It is already a great place to live, but it is not perfect and it can be improved.
Last night’s meeting saw councillors agree to procedural matters, including agreeing a code of conduct and confirming the interim position of a town clerk.
Cllr Aldred told the meeting that the council intended to discuss moves to “improve Harrogate” in the coming meetings.
Last night's Harrogate Town Council meeting.
The creation of the town council has seen £12.73 added to council tax bills in Harrogate in 2025/26 as part of the parish precept.
However, that figure likely to increase once the newly elected councillors agree to take on schemes that need funding or propose taking on more powers from North Yorkshire Council.
The town council also commands a first budget of £362,000, which is made up of staffing costs, running costs and set up fees.
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