Local governance review
Published
Wednesday 30 July, 2025
Updated
Wednesday 30 July, 2025
Swale Borough Council will be asking its residents if they want more town and parish councils.
The council’s Policy and Resources Committee have agreed to begin a community governance review (CGR) to see if people want to increase the coverage of town and parish councils in Swale.
CGRs can help put in place strong, clearly defined local government boundaries that reflect the identities and interests of the communities in that area, in an effective and convenient way.
There are 37 parish councils and three town councils which cover most of Swale, but some areas, such as Sittingbourne, are not currently represented.
Town and parish councils, which are the most local tier of government, provides a link between decision makers and the residents they represent.
Forming town or parish councils can:
- enhance local representation
- improve local services
- give residents a direct voice in local affairs
- attract funding that boosts the local economy
- boost the quality of life through tailored initiatives and community projects
- allow for greater accountability and transparency
The results of the review can allow for improved community engagement, better local democracy and result in more effective and convenient delivery of local services.
The committee also set out the next steps to conduct the review – including the formation of a steering group – which have been recommended for approval at full council.
The steering group, which will be politically balanced, will work together to set out the areas to be covered by the review.
This is the beginning of a lengthy process which includes two public consultations, ending with full council making the final decisions on the review’s recommendations.
These recommendations will be shaped by the results of the consultations, and any new councils will only be formed if that is what Swale residents want.
You can find out more about Swale’s current parish councils here.
Cllr Tim Gibson, chair of Swale Borough Council’s Policy and Resources Committee, said:
“Any new parish or town councils we implement need to both represent and benefit you.
“This is just the beginning of a very long process, but we will soon be asking you for your opinion.
“These upcoming consultations are very important because we will only introduce new councils if that is what residents want.”
