New parish council approved for Market Harborough

Harborough District Council has agreed proposals to establish the new council after extensive consultation with residents over the past year, including a referendum, which demonstrated strong support for the creation of a parish council. 

The final consultation found that 93.4% of respondents supported the creation of a parish council for the town. 

The new Market Harborough Parish Council will be established on 1 April 2027, with residents electing 16 parish councillors at local elections in May 2027. The warding arrangements for the new council have also been agreed, determining how councillors will represent communities across the town. 

The parish council will provide a dedicated level of local government for Market Harborough, helping to strengthen representation and giving residents a greater voice in matters affecting their community. 

The approved arrangements include a parish precept which is expected to increase Council Tax by an average of around £18 a year for a Band D property. 

Cllr Paul Dann, Cabinet Lead for Corporate Services, said: “The strong support shown throughout this review demonstrates that residents want a parish council for Market Harborough. 

“This is an important milestone for the town, and we now look forward to working towards the establishment of the new council and its first elections in 2027.” 

Preparations will now begin ahead of the launch of the new council in April 2027 and the election of its first councillors the following month.