Agenda item

The Director (Legal) introduced the report and highlighted that the draft terms of reference for the CGR would require approval by an additional meeting of the committee in September 2025.  The primary purpose of this report was to agree the establishment of a member task and finish working group and formal consultation would commence following approval of the terms of reference.  The Director (Legal) requested an addition to the report’s recommendations to grant authority to appoint the members of the task and finish group to himself in consultation with the committee chairperson.  This was agreed as set out in resolution 3 below.

At the invitation of the chairperson, Councillors Horrill and Batho addressed the committee as summarised briefly below.

Councillor Horrill

Councillor Horrill stated that she was supportive of the request to undertake a CGR for the unparished sections of the Winchester Town area but had concerns about this being expanded to areas of the district which were already parished.  She highlighted the potential shortage of officer availability and considered this would better be prioritised to assist with other areas of the district which might potentially be impacted by the wider Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).  She requested that other options for preserving the mayoralty be investigated and that the terms of reference for the CGR be restricted to the town unparished areas.

Councillor Batho

Councillor Batho emphasised that the Winchester Town Forum’s request for a CGR was a direct result following on from the government’s LGR proposals and the purpose was to address to consequential democratic representation deficit for residents in the unparished areas.  As part of this review, he considered it sensible for residents of some areas bordering the unparished town areas to be consulted on whether they should be included.  He also highlighted the importance of ensuring the mayoralty was preserved,

Councillor Becker responded to the comments made by both councillors, in addition to those made by Patrick Davies during public participation.

Councillor Becker and the Director (Legal) also responded to questions from committee members, including on the role of the committee in the CGR process, the potential costs of the review process and that the final decision would be taken by full Council.  It was noted that an additional committee meeting would be required in September to consider the draft terms of reference for the CGR.  NB Subsequent to the meeting, this date was agreed for 29 September 2025.

RESOLVED:

1.             That the contents of the report be noted, acknowledging the potential for a Community Governance Review in the Winchester town area and the broad implications associated with such a review.

2.             That a Task and Finish group of 6 members be established to be formed of 2 members of the Town Forum  plus 4 other members to include representation from all 3 political groups. This group will be responsible for providing member oversight and guidance during the initial stages of the Community Governance Review, working closely with the officer project team.

That authority be delegated to the Director (Legal), in consultation with the chairperson of Licensing and Regulation Committee,  to appoint to the Task and Finish Group following receipt of nominations from Group Managers.