Consultation launched over whether to have a parish council for Market Harborough

Because of the national local government reorganisation plans, many district councils around the country have been looking at whether to create or change new parish councils in the unparished parts of their area.

Market Harborough does not have a parish council, meaning that the district council provides services such as parks, play areas, cemeteries and bus shelters that in other parts of the district would be provided by a parish council.

The costs of these services are charged to Market Harborough residents as special expenses. If a parish council existed, these services could be transferred to the parish, ensuring that local people, businesses and communities continue to have a say in how their area is run.

In November 2025, Harborough District Council received a petition from over 1,800 local residents requesting a Community Governance Review be undertaken, meaning one must be undertaken.

Cllr Paul Beadle, Cabinet lead for Corporate and Wellbeing, said: “This is an important and exciting opportunity for residents living in Market Harborough to have their say and help shape the future of representation where they live. What you say genuinely helps shape what we decide to do.

“We want to ensure community governance continues to be robust, representative of the locality and able to meet future challenges.”

Community Governance Reviews are a statutory process and involve thorough consultation with the public. Following this initial phase of consultation, there will be further consultation later in the year.

This consultation runs until 13 April 2026. To have your say and find out more visit: www.harborough.gov.uk/cgr25

Alternatively, email cgr@harborough.gov.uk, or write to CGR Consultation, Elections Team, The Symington Building, Adam and Eve Street, Market Harborough, LE16 7AG.

Paper consultation forms can be collected from the concierge desk in The Symington Building.

Harborough District Council will also run a non-binding local poll on the proposals, inviting local electors in the unparished area to have their say on whether to have a new council for Market Harborough. This will take place on 30 April 2026, and all electors will receive a poll card.