Parish councils air views on local government reorganisation

The Leader of Three Rivers District Council, Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst, held an engagement meeting last month and was attended by representatives from Batchworth Community Council, Sarratt Parish Council, Croxley Green Parish Council, Watford Rural Parish Council, Abbots Langley Parish Council and Chorleywood Parish Council.

This is part of the first phase of engagement to help the district council leader gauge views on what a unitary authority could look like from the perspective of parish and community councils.

Cllr Giles-Medhurst said: “It was great to have an open and frank discussion on the potential models we and the other district and borough councils as well as the county council are thinking of with the district’s parish and community councils.

“There are clearly concerns on how local government reorganisation is going to affect parish councils, such as what responsibilities they will have, what powers they have or where do they fit in with a new unitary authority – concerns that I share.

“Our parish and community councils are at the heart of local democracy and are our helpful ears and eyes on the ground. Their views, as well as the views from our partner organisations, will feedback into our options and be considered before submitting a proposal to the government in late November.

“Residents will soon be able to learn more about our potential options for the future of local government and be able to ask questions and give their views before we submit our proposal. So, stay tuned!”