Market Harborough Town Council Given Final Approval

The final go-ahead has been given for a new town council in Market Harborough.

The new layer of local government will have 16 councillors representing nine wards across the town, with the first elections due to take place in May 2027.

Harborough District Council approved the move at a meeting last night, following a petition calling for the change which attracted nearly 2,000 signatures.

A public referendum also showed strong support, with the final consultation finding that 93.4 per cent of respondents backed the creation of a town council.

Supporters say the new body will give the town a dedicated level of local representation and a stronger voice in decisions affecting the community, particularly with local government reorganisation on the horizon.

John Fannon, chairman of the Arden Neighbourhood Forum, helped lead the campaign for the new council and told HFM he is delighted it is being formed:

Campaigners presented a petition signed by nearly 2,000 people calling for the town council.

The approved arrangements include a parish precept, which is expected to increase council tax by an average of around £18 a year for a Band D property.

In time it is likely that some responsiblilities currently held by the district council, like parks, allotments and cemeteries could be handed over to the town council.

Cllr Phil Knowles, leader of the opposition, told HFM the decision was a victory for “people power”:

Cllr Paul Dann, HDC’s Cabinet Lead for Corporate Services, said the level of support shown throughout the review demonstrated that residents wanted a parish council.

He described the decision as an important milestone for the town, adding that preparations would now begin ahead of its establishment in April 2027 and the election of its first councillors the following month.