Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has urged North Yorkshire Council to ensure that money earnt from Harrogate Spring Water is spent in Harrogate.
The Lib Dem MP has written to Carl Les, Leader of North Yorkshire Council, urging him to set up a “Harrogate Fund” or give the funds directly to the new Harrogate town council.
Harrogate Spring Water pays a levy amounting to 0.5% of its net sales for the use of the town’s name – a contribution which historically went to Harrogate Borough Council.
However, following local government reorganisation and the abolition of Harrogate Borough Council, this revenue now goes directly to North Yorkshire Council.
For the financial year ending March 2024, Harrogate Spring Water made a payment of £176,806 to North Yorkshire Council.
The current initial budget for Harrogate Town Council is £362,000, meaning the addition of the Harrogate Spring Water levy would see a 48.84% increase in the Town Council’s budget.
The Lib Dems have made it clear they believe that the money should be given to the new Harrogate town council, in the form of a “Harrogate Fund”, rather than the money simply falling into North Yorkshire’s coffers.
Tom said:
“I’ve written to Carl Les because this money must be returned to Harrogate, not hidden away by North Yorkshire Council. Harrogate is earning this money, and should see the benefit of it.
"It’s Harrogate’s – not North Yorkshire’s – name that is earning this money, and Harrogate should see the benefit.
“Whilst there was no Harrogate council to receive the money, of course it went to North Yorkshire. But now it is time for the money to return to Harrogate.
“That’s why I’m adding my voice to the local Lib Dems calling for this money to be returned."
Local Liberal Democrats say this is a missed opportunity to support local initiatives, services, and infrastructure in the very community that has given the brand its name and reputation.
Tom added:
“There is no logical reason for North Yorkshire Council continuing to receive this money, and being able to indiscriminately spend it across North Yorkshire.
“Returning the money to Harrogate is the morally right thing to do.”
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