We are undertaking a community governance review (CGR) to consider parish ward boundaries, parish election dates and councillor representation throughout the North Hertfordshire area.
A community governance review is a way for the council to make sure that, at parish level, governance arrangements are working as efficiently and effectively as they should be.
We're asking the public, parish councils and any interested parties whether they feel their communities are suitably represented and whether there should be any changes made to current governance arrangements. Find out more about parishes and meetings.
Have your say
Draft proposals have been agreed for the second stage of public consultation. This is an opportunity for residents to have their say on the draft proposals that may affect their parish.
To take part in the consultation, complete the survey:
For those without online access, visit our Customer Service Centre at North Herts Council, Gernon Road, Letchworth, between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
All responses must be submitted by Friday 9 May 2025.
Key proposed changes:
- To align parish council elections with district council elections, so they are all held in the same year.
- For some parishes, there are suggestions to alter boundaries and/or adjust the number of parish councillors.
- For parishes where the electorate is below 500 that parishes are represented by 5 parish councillors.
- Proposals to change some ward boundaries.
- The establishment of new Town Councils in Baldock, Hitchin, and Letchworth - this will have implications on the amount of council tax paid by residents.
Need help with the survey? Call 01462 474000 or email CommunityGovReview@north-herts.gov.uk
Maps
Terms of reference
The council is required to consult with local government electors in North Hertfordshire as well as other individuals and organisations who have an interest in the review. It is the responsibility of the council to undertake Community Governance Reviews under the provisions of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007.
The Terms of Reference for the Community Governance Review are available below.
The report was considered at the meeting of Full Council on 11 July 2024.
Timetable
The indicative timetable for the review is below. Depending on local circumstances some dates may change, although implementation ahead of May 2026 is anticipated.
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 11 July 2024 | Full Council approved the Terms of Reference, signifying the start of the CGR. |
| 19 July to 7 October 2024 | First public consultation, lasting 11 weeks. |
| November 2024 to December 2024 | Review by Officers and development of Draft Recommendations. CGR Working Group meetings will be held as appropriate to discuss, prior to consideration by Council. |
| 27 February 2025 | Draft Recommendations to be considered by Council and approved for second round of consultation. |
| 14 March 2025 to 9 May 2025 | Second public consultation, on Draft Recommendations. |
| Review by Officers and development of Final Recommendations. CGR Working Group meetings will be held as appropriate to discuss, prior to consideration by Council. | |
| July 2025 | Full Council discuss and agree Final Recommendations. |
| July 2025 | Reorganisation Order made. |