New Town Councils for Harrogate and Scarborough

Following the creation of North Yorkshire Council, charter trustees were established for the preservation of historic rights, privileges (including ceremonial rights and privileges), and traditions associated with the Boroughs of Harrogate and Scarborough.

In July 2024, following a Community Governance Review, we agreed to the creation of two new town councils within North Yorkshire: one for the currently unparished part of Harrogate and one for the currently unparished part of Scarborough. To read more about the Community Governance Review process and the different decisions made by North Yorkshire Councillors at the different stages of the process, please visit our Community Governance Reviews page here.

Elections will be held to elect councillors to these new town councils on 1 May 2025 for a term of two years. Elections will be held again in 2027 for a four-year term to align with elections for North Yorkshire Council and all other parish councils.

The new parish boundaries will be in effect from 1 April 2025.

Any questions relating to the governance, functions or role of the new councils please email CGR@northyorks.gov.uk.

Election timetable 2025

• publish notice of election - Tuesday 18 March
• nominations can be submitted (10am until 4pm) - Wednesday 2 April
• publish statement as to persons nominated (4pm) - Thursday 3 April
• deadline to register to vote at this election - Friday 11 April
• last day for new applications to vote by post (5pm) - Monday 14 April
• last day for new Voter Authority Certificate applications (5pm) - Wednesday 23 April
• publish notice of poll - Wednesday 23 April
• last day for new applications to vote by proxy (5pm) - Wednesday 23 April
• deadline for appointing polling or counting agents - Thursday 24 April
• polling day (7am until 10pm) - Thursday 1 May
• last day for applications to vote by emergency proxy (5pm) - Thursday 1 May
• deadline to issue Temporary Voter Authority Certificate (10pm) - Thursday 1 May
• verification and count - Friday 2 May
• candidate deadline - return of election expenses forms - Friday 30 May

Become a town council candidate

If you are interested in becoming a candidate in the upcoming town council elections, we are holding a candidates online meeting on 5 March at 5pm.

The online meeting will cover:

• the role of the town councils and councillors
• the Community Governance Review process and setting up of the town councils
• relationship between the town councils and North Yorkshire Council
• the election processes
• detailed information about the nomination procedures
• election timetable
• requirements of a nomination
• campaign and spending rules

If you are interested in attending the meeting, please email returningofficer@northyorks.gov.uk to register.

Register to vote

Residents in the new town council areas have until Friday 11 April to register to vote. Visit our register to vote page for information and guidance.

Vote by post

If you would like to vote by post, you have until 5pm on Monday 14 April to apply for a new postal vote or change an existing postal vote. Visit our apply for a postal vote to find out how to apply.

Vote by proxy

If you are unable to vote in person or by post, you have until 5pm on Wednesday 23 April to apply for a proxy vote. Visit our apply for a proxy vote for information on how to arrange a proxy vote.

Voter ID

To vote in person at a polling station, you will need to bring photo ID. Find out about the voter ID requirement on the Electoral Commission website. Make sure you have an accepted form of identification. View our how to vote page for information.

Voter Authority Certificate

If you do not have a suitable photo ID, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. You can apply for a photo ID to vote on the government website. You have until 5pm on Wednesday 23 April to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.

Role of a town council

A town council is the first tier of local government that represents and serves the residents of a town. It plays a crucial role in local governance, focusing on the needs and well-being of the community. 

Key responsibilities of a town council

Legislation and policy making

Town councils can influence local laws and policies that address community needs, such as zoning regulations, public safety measures, and environmental policies.

Budget management

Town councils raise a precept which is a form of council tax and oversees the allocation of funds for various services, ensuring taxpayer money is spent effectively.

Community representation

Elected councillors act as a bridge between the public and the municipal government, voicing community concerns and advocating for residents' needs.

Service provision

Town councils may be responsible for providing and maintaining local amenities such as open spaces, allotments, public clocks, village halls, footpaths, and litter bins.

Strategic planning

Town councils engage in long-term planning for infrastructure projects and other initiatives that will benefit the community in the future.

Collaboration

Elected councillors work with other council members, council staff, and local organisations to build consensus and foster partnerships that drive progress.

Provide community buildings

Town councils provide community buildings and a wide range of facilities, cemeteries, allotments, grants to community groups, responding to planning applications, accessing grant funding for projects.

Community 'eyes and ears'

Town councils act as the grassroots eyes and ears for the community, liaising with the principal authority and a range of other stakeholders to improve and enhance the well-being of the town and its parishioners.

Administrative duties

A town council appoints key officials like the Chairman, Clerk, and Responsible Financial Officer, and ensures that all actions are lawful and properly executed.