Council Tax will rise by around £28 a year for Scarborough residents to pay for the creation of a new town council.

Following the abolition of eight district councils in North Yorkshire, it was suggested that Harrogate and Scarborough should have their own town councils.

North Yorkshire Council said the new authority would give more power to local communities and take responsibility for some issues including Christmas lights and public toilets.

Scarborough’s budget was set at £384,000 for its first year, while Harrogate’s budget was set at £362,000.

Heather Phillips, executive member for corporate services, said all relevant parties, including charter trustees from both cities, were consulted and recommended the plan be approved.

This will mean householders with a band D property in Scarborough will pay an extra £28.88 in council tax next year.

People living in Harrogate will be charged £12.73.

Future tasks after next year will be decided by the elected councilors of each city.

right Local Democracy Reporting Servicesome councilors expressed concern about residents’ reaction to the surcharge.

However, councilor Liz Colling said extra funding had been put in the budget to allow new councilors to “hit the ground running” after the May election.

The budget included the hiring of a city clerk and administrative support, as well as an interim clerk, equipment and the creation of a website.

After staff, which has been budgeted at £115,000 for the full-time clerk and administrative support, the second biggest expense will be emergency funds of £100,000.

Any unspent funds will be carried over to 2026-27 to “provide funds to reduce future risk and capacity for investment in services”.

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