Market Harborough Residents Vote On Town Council Proposal

People in Market Harborough are heading to the polls today to have their say on whether the town should have its own council.

The vote forms part of a consultation into the proposal, which supporters say would strengthen local representation amid likely changes to local government that could see Harborough District absorbed into a larger authority.

Polling stations are open until 10pm, with campaigners urging residents to take part.

Market Harborough is one of the few towns of its size without a parish council, meaning Harborough District Council currently provides services such as parks, play areas, cemeteries and bus shelters.

The poll follows a petition submitted in November 2025, signed by more than 1,800 people, which triggered a Community Governance Review into the town’s local arrangements.

John Fannon, chairman of the Arden Neighbourhood Forum, is campaigning for the new council:

Polling stations are open until 10pm

A previous consultation attracted 428 responses — one of the largest the council has received — with around 84% backing the creation of a parish or town council.

A spokesperson for Harborough District Council said residents currently pay a “special expenses” charge for services typically delivered by a parish council, adding that if a new council is created, those costs would shift.

They said for a Band D property, the charge for 2026–27 is £67.71, and while this could be replaced by a parish precept, an additional estimated £14.50 may be needed initially to cover setup and running costs.

The council says it cannot predict future council tax levels, as this would be decided by any new parish council and a future unitary authority.

If approved, the new body would legally be created as a parish council, with councillors later able to decide whether to adopt the title of Market Harborough Town Council.

The final decision will be made by Harborough District Council, taking into account the outcome of the public vote.