Council Could Consider Boutique Cinema Plan

Harborough District Council could invest in a new ’boutique cinema’ if a suitable site is found in Market Harborough.

The authority has earmarked £500,000 in its draft budget to boost leisure options for young people and support the night-time economy, with the cinema listed as a potential project.

Other budget proposals include:

• £650,000 to upgrade public toilets in the Commons car park in Market Harborough and in Little Bowden.

• Reopening a customer services facility at the council’s HQ.

• 5% reduction in council tax.

• A new service to prevent and clear fly-tipping, costing £35,000.

• A 4th year commitment to the £1m annual community grants programme.

As revealed by HFM yesterday, around £800,000 is also planned to transform the former bowling green and pavilion in Welland Park into a community events arena.

The council’s coalition Cabinet endorsed the draft budget at a meeting last night and recommended a 5% reduction in council tax.

This would save Band D property owners £9.16 a year, taking the council’s portion of the bill to £174.13.

If approved, Harborough could become the only local authority in the country to reduce council tax, as central government funding calculations assume councils will increase the charge by the maximum allowed – 2.99% for Harborough.

The budget proposes no increase in car park charges or garden waste collections.

Cllr Jim Knight, Portfolio Holder for Finance, described the proposals as a “great budget”:

The budget plans will now be subject to public consultation before a final decision is taken by the full council next month.