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09
Jan
Top Tory accuses Harrogate Town Council of spending too much on staff and admin
Conservative councillor Michael Harrison has accused the Liberal Democrats of allocating too much money on staff and administration and not enough on services in their new budget for Harrogate Town Council.
The Lib Dems, who have 15 of the 19 town council seats, increased the amount charged by a Band D household by 105% this week.
It means Harrogate households will pay £25.78 to fund the town council in 2026/27, compared with the current £12.73. This will generate £740,000, compared with £362,000 currently.
About 74% of the budget will be spent on administration and personnel, which have been allocated £281,638 and £263,092 respectively.
Cllr Harrison, who is one of two Tories on the town council, said:
When the Conservatives campaigned in the town council elections, we made it clear that the new town council should prioritise either taking over existing services from North Yorkshire Council and deliver them to a higher standard for Harrogate residents or deliver additional new services that residents don’t get today.
The problem with this budget is that so much of it is taken up with the administration cost of running the council. There is very little that residents can see they are getting for their money.
For example, where is the improved winter service, litter picking, leaf clearance, new bus services to the housing estates that don’t have them now? What will Harrogate residents living outside of the town centre get for their money?
The Lib Dems have said £25.78 is the lowest band D precept of any town in North Yorkshire and well below the national average of £92.22.
Reform UK-controlled Scarborough Town Council, which was set up at the same time as Harrogate Town Council last year, charged £28.88 in 2025/26 and has yet to agree a figure for the year ahead.
Cllr Harrison, who is also the only local Conservative on North Yorkshire Council’s ruling executive, said such comparisons were “too simplistic”.
He added: “My worry is that not only is there very little to show for the budget, in future years even greater increases will be needed.”
Jonathan Swales, chair of Reform UK’s Harrogate and Knaresborough branch, has also criticised the increase.
Cllr Paula Stott
'Laying the foundations'
But Liberal Democrat town councillors have defended the budget.
Cllr Paula Stott, who chairs the finance and general purposes committee, said:
Our very first operational budget is both thoughtful and prudent and will deliver positive outcomes for Harrogate citizens. It's important to understand that although the precept is just over a 100% increase on last year's, very low, interim budget, its cost to Band D ratepayers is significantly below the national average.
Cllr Chris Aldred, the Lib Dem mayor, added: “Our first year was about laying the foundations and this budget allows us to start delivering real benefits for residents while remaining financially responsible and focused on the town’s long-term future.”
Look for an opinion piece soon by Harrogate mayor Cllr Chris Aldred on why he thinks the town council provides value for money.
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