Agenda and minutes

None.

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting held on 19 July 2024.

RESOLVED – that the minutes of the meeting held on 19 July 2024 be confirmed and signed by the Chair. 

To receive an update report on the Community Governance Review.

The Director: Policy & Governance presented the report on the Community Governance Review.

Members were reminded of the process that started in September 2023 where the committee begun to look at the Community Governance Review at Town and Parish Councils across the borough. The deadline for submissions for the first round of consultation was in December 2023. The first round of the consultation period was due to close then however due to the General Election this was put on hold. The committee was able to agree the first proposals in July. It was agreed that the next round of submissions were extended until 4 September 2024 after not receiving many submissions.

The Director: Policy & Governance then presented the feedback from Parish & Town Councils, residents and community groups after the second round of the consultation period for the Community Governance Review which concluded on 4 September 2024.  The majority responses received were largely supported. There were also comments around potential changes that hadn’t yet been proposed and should be taken forward for community identity and community facilities.

The committee supported no changes in the report after reading the submissions, however still expressed the importance that another review should take place. Members commented that this review should take place as soon as possible now Parish & Town Councils are aware of the changes that can happen to ensure the Borough can get the best outcome helping all areas in the Borough with community identity and good representation.

Following the discussions; Members voted on the recommendations.

RESOLVED – that:

(a)  The summary of responses received in relation to the final proposals decided upon by Boundary Review Committee and publish on 22 July 2024 , be noted;

(b)  The Community Governance Review in accordance with the proposals set out in paragraph 4.5 of the report be concluded and;

(c)  The committee delegated authority to the Director: policy & Governance to publish the final outcome of the CGR as agreed by the committee.