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Councillors to discuss Town Council Proposals

30th August 2019
Posted by Johnny Jenkins

Councillors will discuss the benefits new town and parish councils in the borough might bring to residents across the borough at a meeting of the council’s Policy and Resources Committee on Thursday 5 September.

The report to be considered provides an update on the first phase of a consultation exercise undertaken in response to a petition from the residents of Wickford who would like to see a Town Council established. The next stage in the process is for the council to agree proposals for further public consultation.

The report however recommends that this phase be deferred for a short period of time to enable further consideration to be given to the issues and potential benefits for residents of a wider Community Governance Review to look at parishing other areas of the whole borough and establishing new town and parish councils.

Leader of Basildon Council Councillor Gavin Callaghan said:

“It’s really positive to see people wanting to be more involved in their community through the formation of new town and parish councils which have the ability to significantly contribute to the enhancement and appearance of the local area and could also be ideally placed to operate local community assets and services for the benefit of the community, enhance communities at a more local level, build identify and civic pride. 

“I therefore think that alongside considering the potential benefits and effectiveness for Wickford, we should take the opportunity to consider whether it would be appropriate to undertake reviews in other areas of the borough that are not currently parished.”

The Community Governance Review has to take place in accordance with guidance issued by the Secretary of State and the Local Government Boundary Commission for England under section 100 of the Local Government and Public Involvement and Health Act 2007.

To find out more about council committee meetings, please visit www.basildon.gov.uk/meetings