Harrogate Borough Council

In 2004 the Council arranged for consultation to take place with Council taxpayers to obtain their views on a wide range of spending options, using the SIMALTO system and via the services of a research company Research for Today Limited.  The results of this survey were reported to Cabinet in July 2004 and were valid for a period of three years.  The results gave a significant measure of support to the Council's existing pattern of resource allocation.  The research also showed a consensus preference for an increase in Council Tax of inflation plus £5 (broadly a 5% to 6% increase).

 

The Council's Constitution contains a provision that the initial Financial Strategy proposal should be published, "having first canvassed the views of local stakeholders as appropriate and in a manner suitable to the matter under consideration".  The methods to be adopted in consulting local stakeholders are not specified in the Constitution.  The consultation also provides that any representations made to the Executive as a result of consultation shall be taken into account in formulating proposals and shall be reflected in any report dealing with them.

 

A repeat of the 2004 SIMALTO exercise was deferred pending the outcome of the NYCC Unitary bid but is now being planned, which will help to inform the 2009/2010 to 2011/2012 Financial Strategy.

 

The Corporate Performance Panel (of the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Commission) commissioned a detailed consultation covering local residents, Parish Councils, Voluntary and Community Sector and the Business Community on the 2008/2009 to 2010/2011 Financial Strategy. They also commissioned consultation with Staff, Councillor and Young People's groups. Responses were received from over 1,200 people.

 

The key outcomes of the consultation were fed into the budget report to Cabinet in January 2008.

Results of Consultation: