The Council normally meets each month. Parish Councillors are not paid and do not align politically into party groups. In addition to the Parish Council meetings, Councillors attend meetings with Leeds City Council and training workshops on new laws and regulations. The Harewood Parish Council Agendas and Minutes are displayed on each of the notice boards throughout the parish; minutes are all posted on this website and meetings are open to the public.
A chair and vice-chair are elected for one year at time from the members of the council and members are elected by local people in elections held every four years. Any mid-term vacancies are usually filled by co-option of parish residents who have expressed a wish to make a contribution to Council responsibilities. The most recent election was in May 2019.There are vacancies on the Council due to insufficient candidates.
Harewood Parish Council meets to discuss its responsibilities together with other matters of interest and concern. Topics are diverse, from speeding traffic, traffic congestion, road repairs, lighting, rights of way, licensing, planning applications and burials within our cemetery. Meetings are open to the public who may request the opportunity to address the Council.
The Council has the statutory right to be advised of, and to comment on, all planning applications for developments in the parish area. The eventual decisions are made by the elected members of Leeds City Council, but all the comments and opinions of local parishes must be reported and included in the decision-making process. This is an important service to people in Harewood and Wigton Moor and forms a large part of the activities of the council.
Harewood Parish Council is funded by a precept on the domestic council charge levied by Leeds City Council. The financial position of the council is always an agenda item at each meeting. The Council is able to consider requests for grants and donations from non profit organisations who are contributing to the social fabric and well-being of the community.
Harewood Parish Council is responsible for the operation of Harewood Cemetery and there is a report given at every meeting.
Under ‘Any Other Business’ Councillors report on any other matters arising that they wish actioned or have been reported to them from Parishioners.
