Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: December 11, 2025

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED   That Council:   a)     Adopts the Terms of Reference for the Community Governance Review as showing at Appendix A.   b)     Delegates to Democracy and Standards Committee the authority to propose draft and final recommendations arising from the review subject to the final recommendations being adopted by full Council.     Reasons for Recommendations: To enable the review to be undertaken in accordance with legislation and guidance in a timely and efficient manner.   To ensure that community governance arrangements continue to support effective and convenient local governance and reflect the identities and interests of local communities in Town and Parish areas across North Northamptonshire.   Alternative Options Considered:   Partial Review   Principal councils may exercise their discretion in terms of the conduct of reviews. An option to focus on specific parish areas and limit the scope of the review was considered, however, North Northamptonshire Council has not previously undertaken a review of the parish areas within its administrative boundary. A partial review might be considered too restrictive and stifle opportunities for local communities to engage in discussions around local representation.   Full Review   A full review is considered the most inclusive option and would enable the electoral arrangements of all parish areas within the district to be considered. The review may not automatically recommend changes across all parish areas, but it provides an opportunity to examine whether there might be a case for change. There has been significant residential development across the district that has led to shifts in natural settlements and changes in populations. By looking at the whole district the review may consider any imbalances or disproportionate outcomes arising from changes to individual or adjoining parishes. A full review presents the opportunity to reflect on the consequential matters as they now apply to local parishes arising from the LGBCE’s review of the electoral arrangements for North Northamptonshire Council. The elections on 1st May 2025 were the first elections to take place on new parish ward boundaries for those urban town councils where new warding patterns were implemented. North Northamptonshire Council has a duty to keep its area under review. A full review ensures the council continues to meet its statutory duties. This would be the first review of community governance arrangements across the district undertaken by North Northamptonshire Council since its formation in 2021