Residents and organisations in Three Rivers have the opportunity to voice their opinions on proposed alterations to parish and community councils. This consultation is a mandatory part of the Community Governance Review (CGR), being conducted by Three Rivers District Council.
Following an initial consultation over the summer, councillors have reviewed residents' feedback. The current proposals, open for comment from 16 October to 15 January, include the potential creation of a new parish council for Maple Cross, West Hyde, Penn and Mill End, an idea that received support in the earlier feedback. Other potential changes involve parish boundaries, ward boundaries, ward names, and governance arrangements in specific areas of the district.
The CGR is examining current arrangements in light of the government's decision to restructure local government in Hertfordshire, which proposed replacing county, district, and borough councils with four unitary authorities. Although this Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) was paused in September, the district council has committed to allowing residents to comment on existing parish arrangements.
“"No final decisions have been made – we will listen to what residents say which will help inform what we do, and ensure that any changes appropriately reflect the needs and identities of the communities they affect. Parish councils are the first tier of democracy in England and provide vital local services that can include allotments, community halls and even village fetes. We now have some specific proposals for you to consider, and this is your chance to influence the future of local democracy in your area so have your say today."
Residents can participate in the CGR consultation to share their views on the district’s current parish and community councils, as well as the proposed changes. Further information and the consultation portal can be found at: haveyoursay.threerivers.gov.uk/district-wide-community-governance-review.
