Purpose

Arun District Council has undertaken a review of its parishes, ahead of local government reorganisation. It has published draft recommendations that affect many of the parishes in the Arun area. This is included in Appendix 2 to the report.

The County Council’s Electoral Review Panel has prepared a response to the consultation as the County Council has been invited to comment as a consultee. The proposed consultation response is set out in the Appendix 1 to the report.

Chichester District Council is at Stage 1 of a review to consider a merger between Graffham and East Lavington Parish Councils. The Panel recommends that the initial consultation be supported, that residents should be consulted and be made aware of all potential liabilities.

Cllr Donna Johnson has been consulted as Chair of Governance Committee under Standing Order 3.50 and the decision has been agreed by the Executive Director of Law, Assurance and Insight.

Decision

(1)        That the consultation response in Appendix 1 be approved and submitted to Arun District Council as the County Council’s formal response to the consultation.

(2)        That Chichester District Council be informed that the County Council supports it progressing to public consultation on whether to merge Graffham and East Lavington parish councils, provided that residents are made aware of all potential liabilities.