Agenda item

Report of the Leader

The Leader reminded Members that it was agreed in December 2025 to go forward with the second part of the community governance review; this will go live on 24 February, and she asked Members to encourage their residents to support the review.  She said local government reorganisation will result in a single councillor representing as many 20k residents under the new unitary authority which will preclude inclusivity - only those who are retired or who can afford not to work will have the time to dedicate to the inevitable workload – and Liberal Democrats are keen to devolve power to the lowestcommon denominator in our parishes, to make sure that residents have a voice.

She said it is important to include parts of the town not currently represented by a parish council, saying that most councillors know from the doorstep that the Mayor plays an important civic role, and a town council for all the unparished areas of Cheltenham will maintain that and other important aspects of local government. 

In response to Members’ questions, she said:

-       with reference to the parish elections scheduled for May, and whether the proposed minor boundary changes in Leckhampton with Warden Hill parish will require new elections or by-elections for additional vacancies once the new boundaries are settled, no new elections will be needed and the changes to the ward boundaries will apply from the next elections, although a specific order mandating an earlier election can form part of the consultation on parish boundaries;

-       regarding Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) benefits and payments going forward, 75% of all contributions goes towards strategic projects, with strict rules for the local neighbourhood infrastructure levy below that. A parish council receives 15% of the remainder, and a parish council or area with a neighbourhood plan will receive 25%.  She said a town council would fall into that category.   

In debate, Members made the following comments:

-       this update shows the importance of the community governance review, allowing individuals the opportunity to share their thoughts on the town’s future  We currently have five parish councils in Cheltenham, but the centre and west of the town is unparished, and with potentially only two councillors per division in the new unitary council, we need to ensure those residents have a voice once the borough council is abolished. It is important that residents’ opinions on this are heard;

-       the review is welcomed, and the proposed changes to Leckhampton with Warden Hill Parish Council, to include Pilley and parts of Charlton Park and Bournside are strongly commended;

-       if we end up with a town council, it would be useful for understanding to have a clear distinction in the name of it and the outgoing borough council.  As the town has a reputation as a Spa, Cheltenham Spa Town Council would work well, if acceptable;

-       the borough council has always been very supportive of arts and cultural organisations in the town, providing discretionary funding to the Everyman, Playhouse, Town Hall, Pittville Pump Room, and other organisations. In a unitary authority, spending many hundreds of thousands of pounds on adult and social care, arts funding will not be prioritised and will be delegated to town council level.  It will not be fair, however, for a future town council to shoulder the entire burden for the whole town, including the parishes, and not unreasonable if the parishes are asked to contribute to town-wide funding.

The Leader said she is very aware of this and it is part of the next phase of discussion, once residents and communities have told us what they want.  It would not be fair for residents of a new town council to pay extra to look after parks, gardens and facilities which are enjoyed by all residents.  This issue has been at the forefront from the start of the local government reorganisation process, but input from the elections team is needed for parish boundary reviews, and this work must currently take second place for them behind the upcoming local elections.

RESOLVED THAT:

-        the revised Terms of Reference for the Community Governance Review are agreed.

Vote – unanimous