Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: Recommendations approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: July 21, 2025

Purpose: To consider recommendations to Full Council on the implementation of a Community Governance Review across the borough of Woking and next steps in respect of an application for a Parish Council.

Content: The Executive Recommended to Council That (i)    the Council explores a Community Governance Review across the borough in accordance with the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007;           (ii)   authority be delegated to the Chief Executive/Director of Legal and Democratic Services in conjunction with the Leader of the Council, Leader of the Opposition and Chairs of Scrutiny Committees to (1)  confirm the objectives for a public consultation on a Community Governance Review or other form of local representation including Neighbourhood Area Committees across the borough of Woking; (2)  prepare a timetable and terms of reference for any such Community Governance Review; and (3)  establish a budget for costs incurred in any Community Governance Review, following which a report will be submitted to Council for consideration and approval;           (iii)  the application received for the creation of a Parish Council by Pyrford Neighbourhood Forum, included at Appendix 1 to the report, be noted; and           (iv) authority be delegated to the Chief Executive/Director of Legal and Democratic Services in conjunction with the Leader of the Council, Leader of the Opposition and Chairs of Scrutiny Committees to prepare the timetable and terms of reference for the Community Governance Review on the application for Pyrford Neighbourhood Forum for approval by Full Council. Reason: To set out the next steps to be followed following receipt of a valid application by Pyrford Neighbourhood Forum for the creation of a Parish Council. To consider a process for considering the case for, and implications of, for a borough-wide Community Governance Review and other forms of local representation.