Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had, if any, with Harrogate Borough Council about the arrangements for a by-election to fill the vacancy in the Marston Moor ward, following the cancellation of the scheduled election by Article 14(1)(a) of the North Yorkshire (Structural Changes) Order 2022.

As I explained in my answer to the Noble Lord, Lord Stunell [HL7179], as a consequence of the North Yorkshire (Structural Changes) Order, there remains a vacancy in the Marston Moor ward. My officials have had discussions with Harrogate council's officers and we understand that the council, as a consequence of this vacancy, have made arrangements for the residents of Marston Moor ward to be represented on the district council by a member for a neighbouring ward.