Decision Details

Motion H

Proposer: Councillor Goss

This motion aims to ensure that a Community Governance Review takes place at the earliest possible time, preferably to allow any new Town Parish Community etc Councils to be formed in May 2027.

Council Notes

That as part of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) a review of unparished areas of the City Council, and the boundaries of existing Town, Parish and Community Councils can take place in consultation with residents to ensure that their views are reflected in the light of the new arrangements.

That this may result in the creation/merger/ expansion of existing Town, Parish and Community Councils, should they and residents so agree.

That there are considerable cost savings if elections could take place for these bodies at the same time as elections for the new shadow Unitary Authority (UA) in May 2027.

That if these bodies were to be in existence before April 2028 Colchester City Council could, by agreement with the new UA, pass over assets and responsibilities, to any such bodies. 

That this would potentially facilitate the retention of City status and some of our civic traditions.

Council resolves:

To refer the issue of consultation timetable back to the cross-party Advisory Group, mindful of the benefits of forming new parish councils before new Unitary Councils are formed, with the aim of ensuring that any changes are implemented as soon as possible.  


The motion relates to a non-executive matter and will debated and determined by Full Council.