Market Harborough Votes on New Parish Council

0:00It's April 17th. I'm Cory with the story, and this is Lester News today, your AI-powered local news. Harboro District Council is set to hold a poll on Thursday April 30th, asking market harboro residents if they want a new parish council. The idea is to give the town its own local government layer on top of the district and county councils. A consultation on the plans wrapped up on Monday April 13th, and now folks get their direct say, local MP Neil O'Brien is pushing for straight talk on the costs before anyone votes. He knows the council's website lists a first-year hit of just 14 pounds 50 for a typical B&D property, but that's only set of money. Once his running, expect real bills closer to 136 pounds, like in Lutterworth or 238 pounds in. Bronstone added straight to your council tax. residents currently pay about 67 pounds, 71 in special expenses, to the district council for town mic services, which could shift over. The MP worries people might vote yes for the perks without grasping the full price tag,

1:04stressing everyone needs the facts to decide smart. The council pushes back a bit, saying they can predict long-term costs since the new council would set its own budget and could tweak services up or down. Still, they're all about letting public opinion shape the final call, with the poll as the big voice. With local government changes brewing in Leicestershire, this could lock in a stronger town voice for parks, open spaces, and more. The eyes are on those April 30 results, to see where Market Harboro heads next.