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.”
Harrogate to host major international medical conference
Harrogate's Archie Gray becomes youngest-ever Tottenham captain
Harrogate Town launch discounted Flexi Tickets for new season
Community choir entertains crowds on Harrogate's Stray
Harrogate jeweller reveals best places to propose
Aldi to unveil newly refurbished Harrogate store
Harrogate MP vows to take hospitality concerns to Parliament
Knaresborough Celtic secure £2000 sponsorship from The Knaresborough Inn
Essential gas works get underway in Ripon
New road at Kex Gill opens to traffic
Magnet officially opens new Harrogate showroom
Street rangers spruce up Harrogate's One Arch
Harrogate Sea Cadets win awards at national band competition
Harrogate Mumbler celebrates 15th anniversary
Colour run and dog show to feature at Pannal Cricket Gala
Yorkshire Water faces residents after days without supply
Ripon pub team to tackle 1,300-mile banger rally
North Yorkshire Police recruiting volunteer officers
New A59 Kex Gill road set to open this week
Winner revealed in Knaresborough's FEVA shop window competition
