Your Harrogate Radio

10:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

Rod Stewart

Maggie May

Listen Live

Knaresborough become first town in county to agree double devolution deal

Thursday, 23 October 2025 16:54

Knaresborough Town Council will take control of the town's market.

Knaresborough has become the first town in the county to take over services from North Yorkshire Council as part of a so-called double devolution deal.

Knaresborough Town Council has been given approval to take control of the town’s historic market, which operates under a Royal Charter granted by King Edward II in 1310.

Senior North Yorkshire councillors gave the go-ahead for the transfer at a meeting of the authority’s executive this week.

Malcolm Taylor, executive member for highways and transportation, said it was a significant day for the authority:

“It would be the first example of double devolution, which involves the responsibility of local council services being given to town and parish councils.

“It’s take a little while to get there but I’m really pleased that Knaresborough have effectively become trailblazers by embracing it.

“This helps ensure grassroots democracy is serving local communities and taxpayers’ money is being used as effectively as possible. For me, delivery of local services at a local level delivers a good service.”

Cllr Taylor said he hoped this would be the first of many similar ventures across the county.

He added:

“We’ve had a few false starts but I think this is the first and hopefully will be the precedent to many, many more coming for approval by the council."

Council leader Carl Les congratulated the town council for taking on the market.

He added:

“I think one thing we’ve learned in this is that double devolution is as complicated as we thought it might be and I think it is also right that we’ve taken the time to actually get it right.”

The unitary authority took control of the market in 2023 after the abolition of Harrogate Borough Council.

Opposition councillors have questioned why more double devolution deals had not been agreed since the unitary authority was formed in 2023.

A deal to hand control of public toilets to Malton Town Council collapsed after it emerged that local councillors wanted to charge a fee for use of the conveniences.

More from Local News

Jespers of Harrogate to celebrate 125th anniversary

One of Harrogate's longest-standing independent retailers is preparing to celebrate a major milestone.
Harrogate Grammar praised in latest Ofsted inspection

Harrogate Grammar School is celebrating after Ofsted praised its academic achievement, sixth form and high-quality education.
Boroughbridge mum completes 100km challenge after daughter's life-saving heart surgery

A Boroughbridge mum has completed a gruelling 100km challenge after her daughter underwent life-saving heart surgery as a newborn.
Great Yorkshire Show almost sold out with two days at full capacity

Visitors are being urged to book now if they want to attend this year's Great Yorkshire Show, with the event already close to selling out.
Harrogate pupils' harvest helps feed homeless people

Locally grown onions, potatoes and broad beans are providing meals for the homeless thanks to pupils at Harrogate High School.
Spot the Board: Eagle-eyed residents scoop England shirts

Three eagle-eyed Harrogate residents have won new England shirts thanks to Your Harrogate and Verity Frearson Estate Agents.
Fleetwood Mac and Queen tributes to headline Harrogate Food & Drink Festival

Organisers of the Harrogate Food and Drink Festival have confirmed the complete live music and entertainment programme for their seventh annual celebration beside the historic grounds of Ripley Castle.
Harrogate MP hits out at Nigel Farage over Clacton by-election

Local MP Tom Gordon has criticised Nigel Farage after he announced he would trigger a by-election in his Clacton constituency.
K-Pop All Stars to bring global pop phenomenon to Harrogate

Fans of K-pop are in for a treat later this month as K-Pop All Stars heads to Harrogate for a high-energy live show.
Extra tickets released for Great Yorkshire Show due to demand

Organisers of the Great Yorkshire Show have released additional tickets for this year's show due to 'unprecedented demand.'
Joanne Towler joins Your Media Group in senior commercial role

Your Media Group is delighted to announce the appointment of Joanne Towler as its new Senior Commercial Lead.
Great Yorkshire Show: All the travel information you need

Thousands of people are expected to head to Harrogate next week for the Great Yorkshire Show – and with big crowds comes changes to the town's roads.
Harrogate College welcomes pupils for behind-the-scenes site tour

Students from Rossett School have been given a behind-the-scenes look at the new Harrogate College campus as construction continues on the development.
CCTV appeal after theft from Weetons

Police have issued a CCTV image following a shop theft in Harrogate.
Ripon MP reacts to shock closure of Burnsall Park

The MP for Ripon and Skipton has spoken following the announcement that Burnsall Park has closed to the public after more than 70 years.
Harrogate's famous 'Poo Bus' becomes unlikely hit in Australia

Harrogate's famous "Poo Bus" has gone international after being featured in an Australian transport magazine.
Opening of new Kex Gill road delayed again due to weather

Motorists will have to wait longer than expected before the new A59 route at Kex Gill opens after weather caused another delay to the £82.5 million project.
Returning Yorkshire Baby & Toddler Show vows to be 'bigger than ever'

The Yorkshire Baby & Toddler Show is set to return to the Pavilions in Harrogate this autumn, with organisers promising its biggest event to date.
Harrogate MP secures Government backing for Slingsby Gin's new owners

Local MP Tom Gordon has secured a Government commitment to support the new owners of Slingsby Gin after raising the future of the business in the House of Commons.
Dinosaurs to roar into Harrogate as popular Lego Trail returns

Harrogate BID has announced the return of one of its most popular annual events, with the Lego Trail set to bring a series of prehistoric displays to the town centre this summer.