Starting Tuesday, 1st July 2025, we’re launching a district-wide Community Governance Review and we want to hear from you! Click the survey link at the bottom of this article to share your views.
Whether you’re happy with how things are or have thoughts on how your current governance set up could change, this is your opportunity to shape how your local parish council is structured and operates.
Parish councils are the most local level of government. They manage services like community centres, bus shelters, allotments, and war memorials. They also play a vital role in representing your views and supporting local priorities.
This review is your chance to ensure that your parish council is set up to meet the needs of your community - now and in the future.
What is a Community Governance Review?
A Community Governance Review (CGR) is a legal process that allows the council to review and make changes to parish arrangements. It ensures that local governance is:
- Effective and convenient
- Reflective of community identity
- Equitable and representative
What can a Community Governance Review do?
This review can consider:
- Creating, merging, altering, or abolishing parishes.
For example, combining smaller parishes or separating parts of a larger one. - Naming and styling parishes
Including whether to call them a parish, town, or community council. - Electoral arrangements such as:
- The number of councillors per parish
- Whether parishes should be divided into wards
- The timing of elections (held every four years)
- Grouping or de-grouping parishes
Smaller parishes can be grouped under a shared council to improve efficiency while maintaining their unique identities - only with the agreement of those involved. - Other local governance options
Including parish meetings or alternative arrangements where appropriate.
You can find out further details on our Community Governance Review webpage.