A Community Governance Review (CGR) is a review carried out by a principal council of the whole or part of its area. The aim of the review is to look at one or more of the following:
- creating, merging or abolishing parishes
- changing boundaries between parishes
- the naming of parishes and the style of new parishes
- the electoral arrangements for parishes (the ordinary year of election, the size of the parish council, the number of councillors and any warding arrangements)
- grouping parishes under a common parish council, or de-grouping parishes
District council wards and county council divisions cannot be altered in a Community Governance Review.
The council wants to ensure that parish governance in the district continues to reflect the identities and interests of local communities and that it is effective and convenient. Reviews will provide the council with an opportunity to consider what the most effective governance arrangements are.
A Community Governance Review can be initiated by one of the following:
- a valid petition from electors requesting a CGR and specifying recommendations which the petitioners wish the CGR to make
- a formal request from a parish council, following which approval is then required from the principal council
- a decision taken by the principal council itself, usually in circumstances where there have been significant changes in population or in response to changes recommended following a Local Government Boundary Commission review
A review will begin with publication of the terms of reference, following which consultation with electors and other stakeholders will take place. Following the consultation final recommendations will be made, for resolution by full council.