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10
Feb
Council to axe free Christmas trees for towns in Harrogate district
A Knaresborough councillor has criticised plans to stop providing free Christmas trees in the Harrogate district.
North Yorkshire Council has proposed the measure to save £27,000 a year.
The move would see the authority stop the provision, erection and dismantlement of trees to parishes free of charge.
According to its 2026/27 budget plans, Harrogate, Starbeck, Knaresborough, Ripon, Boroughbridge, Masham and Pateley Bridge would be affected.
So too would Scarborough, Whitby and Filey.
The move would see the authority instead offer the Christmas tree service for an “appropriate fee”.
Council documents say:
Christmas trees will not be provided, erected, and dismantled free of charge. However, North Yorkshire Council will be able to provide parishes or other organisations with this service for an appropriate fee.
Ripon's Christmas tree last year.
Hanging baskets
The council has also proposed ending free provision of hanging baskets on lampposts in urban areas. But commercial arrangements for town centre baskets would be unaffected by the proposal.
Cllr Matt Walker, a Liberal Democrat who represents Knaresborough West, said the move amounted to "double taxation" of residents.
He said:
North Yorkshire Council is playing a cynical game of 'pass the parcel' with its budget. By cutting community services like Christmas trees without any consultation, they are forcing town and parish councils to pick up the tab or watch our high streets wither.
Residents are paying record-high taxes to the 'Big Council,' only to be told they must pay even more to their local council if they want their town to look festive. It is double taxation, pure and simple.
North Yorkshire Council can increase its portion of council tax bills by a maximum of 4.99%. But there is no limit on how much parish councils can increase theirs.
North Yorkshire councillors are set to vote on the council’s 2026/27 budget on Friday (February 13).
The Conservative-led authority has proposed the maximum 4.99% rise and a one-off use of reserves to cover a £17 million shortfall.
The authority also faces making £28 million savings over the next three years to balance its books.
Cllr Gareth Dadd, Conservative deputy leader of North Yorkshire Council, previously warned of a “deteriorating” financial outlook which would see “tough choices” being made.
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