Issue - meetings

It was moved by Councillor Cooper, seconded by Councillor English, that the recommendation of the Democracy and General Purposes Committee relating to the outcome of the Community Governance Review (Parishes) be approved.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the outcome of the Community Governance Review, as set out at Appendix 1 to the report of the Democracy and General Purposes Committee, be adopted.

2.  That delegated authority be given to the Director of Strategy, Insight and Governance to give effect to the Council’s resolution.

The Democratic and Electoral Services Manager presented the outcome of the Community Governance Review which was the culmination of 11 months’ work, and highlighted that the Stage 2 consultation had resulted in a number of meaningful amendments to proposals, as set out in the report. 

There was an update to the review which consisted of two elements, firstly a briefing on the process to be followed if the Review was implemented by Council, and secondly the updated table and review outcome on Parish Wards.

The briefing on the post Council process covered the permission required to alter parish boundaries that had been impacted by the Local Government Boundary Review, and requesting ‘Related Alterations’ to Borough Ward boundaries.  It was highlighted that these processes would commence after Council, and delegated authority was therefore sought to the Director of Strategy Insight and Governance in order to be able to implement Council’s decision.  It was also noted that finalising of Borough Ward related alterations via the Local Government Boundary Commission for England might not take place until February/March 2024.

The Committee considered the review outcome and in response to questions raised by Visiting Members the Democratic and Electoral Services Manager clarified that a leaflet had been circulated to areas which were significantly impacted by the review; Barming, Loose and the changed areas around Grove Green and Weavering.  It was highlighted that the Stage 2 consultation had received responses from around the Thurnham part of Weavering and that had resulted in amendments to the proposals put forward.

The Committee expressed support for the review outcome and the work carried out to deliver it.  However, they wanted a firmer proposal on the proposed review timescale recommended in response to the interest shown from the Grove Green area not covered by the consulted proposals.

RESOLVED: That

1.  The Community Governance Review set out at Appendix 1 to the report, with the additional information provided in the update, be approved;

2.  The Council be recommended to:

(i)  Adopt the outcome of the review; and

(ii)  Give delegated authority to the Director of Strategy Insight and Governance to give effect to the Council’s resolution; and

3.  A report on whether to conduct a Community Governance Review in the area of Grove Green and Weavering be considered within 2 years.