Senior councillors from Harrogate Borough Council were put in the hot seat last night as they took part in a question and answer session at the Harrogate International Centre.
The inaugural ‘Ask the Cabinet‘ event was the chance for members of the public to attend an open meeting to put their questions to the council’s Cabinet and have their say on issues that are important to them.
Chaired by Council Leader, Councillor Richard Cooper, the panel also included cabinet members Michael Harrison, Rebecca Burnett, Graham Swift, Mike Chambers and Stan Lumley, as well as the council’s Chief Executive, Wallace Sampson.
Over a hundred residents from across the district attended the event with questions covering a wide range of topics including homelessness, parking, the Harrogate town centre masterplan, waste and recycling, planning, unitary authorities, noise pollution and house building.
The event didn’t inspire attendance from a younger audience, with those attending being predominantly from the over 60’s age group. Questions were often presented in a long winded way and related to personal issues.
Following the event, Harrogate Borough Council Leader Councillor Richard Cooper said:
It was fantastic to see so many people in attendance. It is important that the council listens to the district’s residents and that they have the opportunity to have their questions answered.
Last night, residents were able to let us know their thoughts about the things we do, find out information directly from us and share their ideas.
I would like to thank everyone who attended. The high turnout showed that the public wish to engage in such events and we will undoubtedly be holding more of these across the district to give everyone a further opportunity to have their say.
