Issue - decisions

The Leader introduced her report, saying that the local government review means that Cheltenham will become part of a unitary council in one way or other, and with only five parish councils at present representing local communities, this could leave a big part of the town without local representation.  It is important, therefore, to start thinking about this now, and a cross-party Cabinet Member Working Group, led by Claire Hughes, Director of Governance, Housing and Communities, has met to get the process underway and establish the terms of reference.

She asked Council to approve the terms of reference as set out in the report appendices, which approve consultation with the wider public and the existing parishes.  The information gathered from the first round will inform further consultation on what people would like to happen – a town council, more or fewer parish councils, boundary changes - the important thing being to get this in place before we go through local government reorganisation, in order to protect our communities and ensure that all residents have a voice.

Questions

A Member thanked the Leader and working group for a sensible and well-put-together group of reasons.  In response to Members’ questions, the Leader and Director of Governance, Housing and Communities, confirmed that:

-       Members are voting today solely on the terms of reference and start of the consultation and review period, not the timetable or reorganisation order;

-       regarding the indicative timetable set out in the report, which might been seen to imply that the reorganisation order could be made by February 2026 –a Member felt this was good if a minimal set of adjustments was required, but incredibly ambitious and potentially problematic if bigger implications around the existence of parish councils arise from the consultation -  it is important to say that we are not looking to abolish any parish councils.  They may choose not to exist, or may want to create new parish councils and extend or reduce their boundaries, which is relatively simple from a governance point of view.  It would make sense, therefore, to do this as soon as possible in the new year, in advance of the financial precepts they will want to raise;

-       the bigger question is around the rest of the town, whether a town council or more parish councils are wanted.  The timeline is set so that we will be able to anticipate the direction of travel by February 2026 and it will be in our gift then to pause if the government’s plan to make a decision by February 2027 goes awry;

-       at the end of the day, the main issue is that we could end up with no local representation if we don’t do something different as a town, and we need to act now to make sure that all residents and local communities have a voice and that their voice is heard;

-       consultation in non-parished areas will be through friends groups, residents associations, wide coverage on social media, drop-in sessions, and councillors, who are leaders in their communities and will need to spread the word;

-       Members are voting today on the terms of reference because although the Leader doesn’t need permission to carry out a Community Governance Review, the terms of reference have to be agreed by Full Council in order for it to happen;

-       if Council approves, the terms of reference will be published on 19 May, and the official consultation will go live on that date;

-       the indicative timeline in the report is not up for consultation – it could change if, for example, the first stage produces a large number of recommendations.  Any recommendations for changes will need to come back to Council in October for Council to agree.  At that time, Council may decide to take all recommendations forward for implementation in February 2026, in time for the parish council elections in May, or could decide to take some forward then and others on a longer timescale.

Debate

A Member expressed concern about the speed at which the timetable is proposed.  Although aware of the need to get local representation in place before CBC becomes part of a unitary authority, his parish council is not due to meet until July when they will set about the task of consulting with their constituents and formulating their own view.  The way the timetable is proposed will make it difficult to do a thorough job. 

The Leader said she would take these comments on board but was keen to do everything possible to get changes in place early next year.

Members added the following observations:

-       the review is welcome, presenting an ambitious timeframe at present – we will only know if it is achievable until we start.  The difference in infrastructure investment between parished and unparished areas in Cheltenham is marked, and this is a potentially great opportunity to remedy this;

-       with unitarisation taking power away from local people, this review is welcome as it  will make sure they remain involved and engaged in local democracy – it is local people who care most about their areas and want to make changes to the things that matter.  The timeline is fast but serves its purpose and is on the right track;

-       the council must do its best to consult as widely as possible, although this is difficult.

The Leader reiterated that all Members should act as advocates and champions in their local communities, and encourage people to get involved and consider setting up new parish councils or changing the boundaries of existing ones. 

RESOLVED (unanimously) that Council:

-       the Terms of Reference for the Community Governance Review are agreed, signifying the formal start of the Review and commencement of the first stage consultation.