Review on future of councils
A TWELVE-WEEK consultation has begun on the future of town and parish councils.
The Cheshire East Council governance review will effect a number of areas including Poynton, Bollington, Gawsworth, Sutton and Prestbury as well others throughout the borough.
Government advice is this should take place every 10 to 15 years to ensure current arrangements are fit for purpose and ‘reflect local identities’.
It was last done when Cheshire East was created in 2009 and there are 135 town or parish councils.
But fears have been raised that power will be taken out of smaller, more rural bodies and given over to larger ones.
However, what both sides agree on is that it is important for people to have their say.
The review looks at issues including town and parish boundaries, numbers of town and parish councillors, grouping of parishes and warding.
Councillor Sam Corcoran, council leader, said: “The present governance arrangements predate the formation of Cheshire East and there has since been considerable change to the population, its distribution and to the borough’s settlements.
“There certainly won’t be change for change’s sake and any changes will only be adopted after they have been extensively consulted upon to take account of the views of residents, town and parish councils and other stakeholders.”
CONSULTATION began on Monday and ends on November 28, visit surveys.cheshireeast.gov. uk/s/CGReview2/. Paper copies of the consultation can also be obtained from libraries.