Community Governance Review (CGR) for Market Harborough
In November 2025, the four Market Harborough Neighbourhood Forums submitted a petition of approximately 1,800 resident signatures to Harborough District Council (HDC).
This formally triggered a Community Governance Review (CGR) to consider whether Market Harborough should have a Town Council.
What Happens Next?
The first phase of the CGR process includes:
1. Initial Consultation
- Open to all residents of any age, businesses, and community groups.
- Opportunity to share views on local governance.
- Closed on 13th April.
2. Resident Poll
- Open to residents on the electoral roll (18+) in the unparished area.
- This is a non-binding vote, but an important way to show public support.
- Completed 30 April 2026.
The initial consultation and residents poll are now complete. The results were as follows.
Source: Harborough District Council
Why a Town Council?
Stronger Local Leadership
Over the past three years, Neighbourhood Forums have worked closely with residents to develop Neighbourhood Plans. There is growing support for a locally focused, democratic body to lead and represent Market Harborough.
A Stronger Voice
Currently, decisions affecting the town are made at district level by councillors representing the whole district, meaning there is no single body focused solely on Market Harborough.
Preparing for Change
Upcoming local government reorganisation will replace Harborough District Council with a larger unitary authority, further reducing local influence.
➡️ A Town Council would ensure local representation is in place before this change.
What Could a Town Council Do?
A Town Council could take on responsibility for and influence over:
- Parks, open spaces and play areas.
- Community facilities (leisure centre, theatre, museum, community centres).
- Markets and town centre events.
- Cemeteries, allotments and car parks.
- Youth services and street services.
It would also:
- Act as a statutory consultee on planning applications.
- Oversee Neighbourhood Plans.
- Access Section 106 funding and grants for local improvements.
Costs
- Estimated first year cost, including elections: £150,000 – equivalent to around £14.50 per year for an average household.
- Town Council costs would replace the “Special Expenses” already paid by Market Harborough residents through council tax. These are currently £67.71 for a band D property.
- Future costs would be set by the Town Council and would depend heavily on the services that are transferred.
- There is considerable variation in costs of similar sized parish councils due to the services provided. However, the median cost of the 18 parish councils closest in size to Market Harborough was £76.91 for a band D property in 2025-26 (see here for details).
- Town Council costs would be clear and transparent and voted on by town councillors.
➡️ In the long term, a Town Council could be cost neutral.
Key Questions
Do we already have a Town Council?
No. Market Harborough has been “unparished” since 1974. While we have District Councillors, they make decisions for the entire district, not just the town. There is currently no body solely with the interests of the town as its focus.
Why is it called a Parish Council?
Legally, HDC can only create a Parish Council, which can then choose to call itself a Town Council. It is purely a naming difference and either way, its powers are the same.
Will it take over services?
Yes – the review will determine which services could be managed locally. Many see this as a positive step towards local control.
Will it add bureaucracy?
No. Under future changes there would still be three levels of government:
- Current: Government → County Council → District Council
- Future: Government → Unitary Authority → Town Council
Will the Poll Decide the Outcome?
No – the poll is non-binding. However, it is a key opportunity for residents to demonstrate the level of support for a Town Council.
Timeline
- Consultation closes: 13 April 2026
- Resident poll: 30 April 2026
- Draft recommendations: May–June 2026
- Second consultation: June–August 2026
- Final decision: September 2026
- Potential elections: May 2027
Further Reading
HDC has provided more information and terms of reference for the CGR here.
Some analysis of costs for similar sized parish councils to Market Harborough is available here.
A detailed report into the establishment of a Town Council was produced for Harborough Town Hub and is available here.
The Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) has also produced guidance on establishing a town council that is available here.