30 November 2007:
LIKE
all local authorities, Harrogate Borough Council relies on Government grant and local council tax to provide services for its residents.
But it also relies more and more on attracting external funding.
Figures just in have revealed that over £16M in external funding was received to support the council's activities during 2006/2007 which is up on the previous year by more than £5M.
Council Leader, Mike Gardner, has congratulated staff who have worked hard to attract outside funding.
He said: "Two significant sums amounting to over £7.5M were received because of our with work with the Housing Corporation and our partner Housing Associations.
This has all been ploughed back into housing provision for local people.
All areas of the council have done well in attracting extra funding.
"As well as cash amounts, the council is also now 'costing' the value of volunteer time.
Our sports development team alone works with 300 volunteer sports coaches without whom many of our children wouldn't get chance to take part in sporting and leisure activity.
There are, of course, many more volunteers working in other areas of the council.
We are extremely grateful to these community minded individuals."
The council took top ranking last year in an independent survey which compared local authorities on their successes in securing external funding to support their services.
The council will continue to seek out other income streams that become available to it.
ENDS
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Councillor Mike Gardner is available for comment on 01423 500600 ext 6299.
Media Contact Lynne Mee, Communications and Media Manager on 01423 556022 or email lynne.mee@harrogate.gov.uk