Further recommendations for parish changes put forward as part of Community Governance Review

Following feedback from the public and parish councils, people in the Calne area are being asked for their say on additional proposed changes to their local town and parish governance arrangements.

This is part of an ongoing Community Governance Review, which covers parishes in the Pewsey, Calne and Malmesbury community areas.

This Community Governance Review provides an opportunity to make changes to governance arrangements for town and parish councils, and parish areas. This is to ensure that they continue to be reflective of the identity and interest of local communities, and that they are as efficient and effective in their governance as can be.

The Electoral Review Committee had gathered information and prepared initial recommendations, and these were consulted on from 18 March until 5 May 2022, including through a series of public meetings in affected areas.

The committee has confirmed some of its recommendations, but deferred further action in relation to proposals in Malmesbury until a future date. In relation to proposals in the Calne area, the committee resolved to make a number of changes to some of its recommendations, in response to the feedback received, and now the additional draft recommendations have been put forward.

People in the Calne area can now provide feedback on the amended recommendations. The full Additional Draft Recommendation document, and a public survey, can be found at our Community Governance Reviews page. People have until 28 June to provide their feedback.

Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Chairman of the Electoral Review Committee of Wiltshire Council, said:

"This has been an open and democratic process throughout, and we appreciate people taking the time to provide feedback during the earlier consultation as this is directly helping to shape the proposals. I encourage everyone in the affected area to get involved and tell us their thoughts on the additional recommendations, which we believe have arrived at the best solution.

"Effective Governance at a local level is so key, as it will directly impact the everyday decisions that affect people's lives, so it's important this process is as thorough as possible."

If confirmed by the committee the final recommendations will be considered at Full Council in July 2022.

Any changes to electoral arrangements for parishes as a result of the current Community Governance Review would need to come into effect at the next scheduled ordinary parish council elections in May 2025. Any changes to the areas of parishes would have to be effective from the start of the financial year on 1 April 2025.