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North Somerset Council is conducting a Community Governance Review (CGR) which launched today, Friday 28 February.
The CGR is a legal process which offers an opportunity to review, create and make changes to the governance arrangements for town and parish councils and parish areas. Arrangements for North Somerset Council are not in the scope of this review.
According to government guidance, a CGR should be carried out every 10 to 15 years. The council last conducted a CGR in 2010.
“Town and parish councils play a vital role in engaging with local people and helping their communities” said Cllr Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council.
“We want parish governance across North Somerset to remain robust, representative and able to meet new challenges. We’re committed to making sure there’s clarity and transparency in the areas that local councils represent and that the electoral arrangements of parishes are appropriate, equal and easy to understand.
“This review is a chance for people to shape the future of local democracy and I’d encourage people to take part.”
People can take part online at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/cgrconsultation or pick up a paper copy of the consultation at their local library. The review consultation is open for eight weeks, until 11.59pm on Wednesday 30 April.
Community groups who are meeting to discuss the review and would like a council officer to attend are encouraged to send details of the meeting, including time, date and location, to electoral.services@n-somerset.gov.uk.
The results of the consultation will be reviewed by officers. Any draft recommendations for changes would be considered by all councillors later this year before a further public consultation would take place.
Any changes to existing parish or town council arrangements as a result of the CGR would come into effect the same day as the next scheduled parish and town council elections in May 2027.
More information about the CGR is available on the council’s website at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/cgrinformation.