Harpenden Town Council - Contact Us

Harpenden montage sign Harpenden Town Council was created in 1974 following the reorganisation of local government and the disbanding of Harpenden Urban District Council. Harpenden is the largest parish in the St Albans District with a population of almost 30,000 represented by 16 Councillors in the following Wards:

WARD	COUNCILLORS	WARD	COUNCILLORS
North	4	East	4
South	4	West	4

There are presently sixteen Councillors elected to serve a four-year term in May 2007. The next elections are scheduled to take place in May 2011. Each year, the Council elects from amongst it’s members the Town Mayor and Deputy Town Mayor.

The Town Mayor receives an allowance to cover Civic duties. The Town Council agreed during the year to provide an allowance of £300 per Councillor for a full year. This was in line with the basic allowance recommended by the Independent Remuneration Panel which entitled Councillors to the payment of an allowance. No other form of allowance or expenses can be claimed other than approved travel and subsistence for attending functions on behalf of the Town Council. The majority of Councillors declined to take an allowance for 2008/2009.

The Council's Aims :

Mission Statement - To promote the area as a place to live, a place to work, a place to visit and a place to invest.

Corporate Objectives -

To promote and represent the community's views and aspirations at local, county, regional and national level.
To serve those who live in the Town, work in the Town and visit the Town.
To promote growth of Council activities where new services can be taken on effectively and efficiently.
To strive to improve the quality of life for all residents of the Town.
To work in partnership at local, county, regional and national level to promote and provide for the well being of the Town.

To achieve these aims the Council's objectives are:

To consult with the community to establish its aspirations for the future.
To promote the vitality and viability of the Town Centre, Southdown and Batford.
To encourage and participate in partnership and agency working with the public, private and voluntary sectors for the betterment of Harpenden.
To promote sustainable policies, that strive to improve the environment to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
To help to create a socially inclusive and caring community which embraces all its residents irrespective of age, culture, wealth, race or religion and which seeks to develop their well being, knowledge, understanding and mutual co-operation.
To strive for a safer environment for the community.
To deliver the best possible Town Council services for the lowest possible cost. Our aim is seamless local government delivering better, more cost effective services to residents.
To ensure improved access to all Council services by working in close partnership with District and County Councils through on-line access at home, in libraries and at Council offices.
To promote greater Police presence in the Town..
To continue to lobby Hertfordshire County Council for improved roads and pavement maintenance.
To continue to defend the character of the Town, oppose inappropriate development, preserve the green belt and critically analyse the proposed East of England Plan and respond appropriately to the final document.
To work for a cleaner and greener Harpenden.
To work in partnership with the County Council and voluntary groups to deliver improved youth facilities in the Town.
To work with the District Council to seek the modernisation and improvement to the Public Halls to meet the needs and demands of Harpenden residents.
To work with the History Society to find a permanent home for them in Harpenden.
To work with local sports groups, clubs and resident groups to seek the mix and quality of facilities wanted by local residents.
To actively support good ideas and encourage local initiatives.
To oppose over-expansion and realignment of the runway at London Luton Airport where this would significantly impact on Harpenden.
To lobby the Government to ensure the infrastructure needed to support London Luton Airport is provided.
To improve services delivered to the elderly, disabled and less mobile members of the local and wider community.
To encourage the inclusion of affordable/key worker accommodation.

Staffing

The Town Clerk, John Bagshaw, is employed in a full time capacity and is supported by seven full-time staff and ten part-time permanent staff (5.09 full-time equivalent) comprising professional, technical and administrative Officers and ancillary staff. This team delivers all Town Council services, implements the Council’s policies and complies with government legislation.