Community Governance Review

A Community Governance Review provides an opportunity to review and make changes to governance arrangements for town and parish councils

Overview

A Community Governance Review is a process which provides an opportunity to review, create and make changes to governance arrangements for town and parish councils and parish areas. We carried out a Community Governance Review of all existing parishes between March and May 2025. 73 responses were received. 

Notice of Community Governance Review 

Community Governance Review Terms of Reference

Next steps

The submissions were considered and draft recommendations prepared from Monday 19 May to Friday 13 June 2025. 

We are now seeking views on the draft recommendations from the Community Governance Review. This is open from Monday 16 June to Friday 8 August. 

Respond to the recommendations

Timetable of Community Governance Review

Stage of process

Proposed dates

Publication of terms of reference

17 March 2025

Initial submissions invited/publicity campaign

17 March

Deadline for initial submissions

16 May 

Consideration of submissions/preparation of draft recommendations

19 May-13 June 

Publication of draft recommendations

16 June 

Consultation on recommendations/ publicity campaign

16 June 

Deadline for consultation responses

8 August 

Consideration of responses and preparation of final recommendations

11 August - 5 September 

Publications of final recommendations

5 September 

Council meeting to make any Reorganisation Order

25 September 

Effective date for revised electoral arrangements

May 2026

What the review can and cannot change

The review may consider the following options:

  • creating, merging, altering or abolishing parishes
  • the naming of parishes and the style of new parishes including the potential creation of town and parish councils
  • the electoral arrangements for parishes. For instance, the ordinary year of elections; council size; the number of councillors to be elected to the council and parish warding
  • grouping parishes under a common parish council or de-grouping parishes
  • other types of local arrangements, including parish meetings

The review cannot:

  • change the number of councillors on Hart District Council
  • influence or change the amount of money that an existing parish or town council raises through Council Tax known as precept.

How the review will be carried out

When assessing any suggestions from interested parties, we are required to take into account the:

  • impact of the community governance arrangements on community cohesion
  • size, population and boundaries of a local community or parish suggestion

We are also need to ensure that community governance within the area under review will be:

  • reflective of the identities and interests of the community in that area
  • effective and convenient

Any other factors, such as potential Council Tax precept levels, cannot be considered. 

Have your say on the community governance review

We are not proposing any options at this stage but we are seeking proposals from:

  • existing communities
  • voluntary and interest groups
  • individuals
  • local organisations and businesses
  • local representatives
  • any other interest parties

The reorganisation of Hampshire councils including Hart District Council will not effect Parish or Town Councils, these will remain the same.

There are differences between Parishes, District and the County Council which are explained here: Understand how your council works: Types of council - GOV.UK

Community Governance Review privacy notice

Department for Communities & Local Government offers advice about undertaking a review and implementing its recommendations.  

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