Here you will find information on Community Governance Reviews.
To give feedback to government about local government reorganisation in Surrey, take a look at the Surrey local government reorganisation hub, here: Surrey LGR Hub
Community Governance Review in Epsom & Ewell
On 26 June, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council will agree whether to undertake a Community Governance Review (CGR) to explore the creation of a parish or community council or councils.
The process for a Community Governance Review (CGR) is set out in the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (the 2007 Act). CGRs are reviews of the whole or part of a district or borough area to consider creating, merging, altering or abolishing parishes; creating or dissolving parish councils; and making or altering the electoral arrangements that should apply.
This means making sure that those living in the area, and other interested groups, have a say in how their local communities are represented.
Why is a Community Governance Review being considered?
Once the eleven existing district and borough councils are dissolved in April 2027, there will be no lower tier of local government in the borough below that of the new unitary authority.
Parish councils (which can be named as “Community”, “Neighbourhood” or “Village” Councils) aim to enhance local representation by providing a direct route for the essential voices of residents and local communities to be heard, ensuring that residents are aware of local issues, and that they are involved in decision-making they are affected by.
Speaking at a meeting of full Council, Councillor Hannah Dalton, Leader of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, said “We are navigating the biggest change in local democracy for more than 50 years. As a priority we are working to ensure that, whatever the outcome of local government reorganisation, the voices of our residents and local communities continue to be heard in years to come – this is a vital element of local democracy.”
You can take a look at the news release we sent out on 27 May here: Epsom & Ewell Borough Council considers Community Governance Review | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council
Estimated timeline for a CGR in Epsom & Ewell
