Community Governance Review 2018

Slough Borough Council carried out a review of community governance arrangements within the borough area - including the parishes and their electoral arrangements, and also other forms of governance not involving parishes.

The aim of the review was to consider and bring about improved community engagement, better local democracy and more effective and convenient delivery of local services, and to ensure electors across the whole borough are treated equitably and fairly.

The review was conducted in accordance with the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 and the council had  regard to government guidance on community governance reviews. This guidance was issued by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and the Local Government Boundary Commission for England. For further information about why the council conducted this review visit the background page.

During the first stage of the consultation period, which ran from 11 June – 3 August 2018 , the council invited local electors and other interested parties to submit their views on existing arrangements in their local area, together with any proposals for change.

There were three parish councils in Slough when the review began:

• Britwell
• Colnbrook with Poyle
• Wexham Court.

Each parish council had a list of duties.

Parish councils are the most local tier of local government in England with specific powers and budgets for which they are democratically accountable.

They provide a range of services which vary between one parish council and another but may include: community centres, police community support officers, youth clubs, maintenance of public open spaces, children’s play area equipment, community events, environmental projects such as landscaping, tree planting, seats and bins, as well as being consulted on local planning applications.

Parish councils pay for these services by raising precepts from their residents each year. 

Parish population and precepts