Community governance reviews

What is a community governance review?

Since the introduction of the Local Government and Public Health Act 2007 principal councils have been responsible for undertaking community governance reviews. Any reviews are undertaken in accordance with government guidelines. In some circumstances principal authorities will be able to make decisions themselves, while in others the matter will be referred elsewhere.

A community governance review can be used for the following:

• the creation of a parish
• establishing a council for a parish
• naming a parish
• the alteration of boundaries of existing parishes
• the abolition of a parish
• the dissolution of a parish council
• changes to the electoral arrangements of a parish council
• whether a parish should be grouped under a common parish council or de-grouped.

 A community governance review can be undertaken following:

• a decision by the council to undertake a review of its parish arrangements
• receipt of a request from a parish council for a community governance review to be carried out
• receipt of a petition signed by local electors asking for a review to be undertaken.

How is a community governance review carried out?

The process for carrying out a review is outlined in the legislation and guidelines. The following outline process is followed:

• terms of reference and a timetable for the review is published
• initial proposals are published and consultation on these takes place
• feedback and any counter proposals are invited from all interested parties
• the feedback is considered and initial recommendations are drafted
• further consultation on the initial recommendations take place
• feedback is considered and final recommendations are prepared and published
• the final recommendations are considered for approval by East Riding of Yorkshire Council
• if approved, a Reorganisation Order is made to put the recommendations into effect.

What are the current community governance reviews that are taking place?

The latest reviews are:

• Full East Riding parish review