Optional: The Chairs of any of the informal groups may briefly update the Forum on any recent developments from their group.
Minutes:
It was emphasised that at this time, no formal decision had been taken for a town council to be formed and that these suggested changes were preparatory only, should any decision be made in the future. As a result, it was suggested that the new combined Informal Group be named ‘Transition to Town Council Informal Group’ which would provide a joint approach on finance and operational structure and service areas for the transitional period.
It was noted that the Informal Group would comprise of the existing membership from both Informal Groups. Councillor Batho would lead as Chair, with Councillor Learney retaining leadership for the town account financial activities within the new informal group going forward.
The Forum received individual updates from the Chairpersons of various Town Informal Groups, where available. Each summarised the work that had been carried out by the respective groups over the previous two-month period.
Councillor Batho – CGR Informal Group
Progress updates from the group were as follows:
Councillor Batho made the following announcement:
‘On Monday 3 November last year, we launched our stage one consultation, asking residents and organisations whether they would support the creation of a parish council for the Winchester town area, and if so, which area it should cover.
During the 7-week consultation period we held four public engagement events, which saw over 100 people given the opportunity to meet the project team and ask their questions.
The consultation closed on Monday 22 December. We are grateful to everyone who responded. Initial data shows that we received over 1400 responses. The team at Public Perspectives, the independent research organisation who are supporting us with this consultation, are now reviewing and analysing what people have told us.
The consultation results will be published prior to Licensing & Regulatory Committee in March, and subsequent to the necessary approvals, the next stage of public consultation in this community governance review is expected to begin in May 2026.
For the most up to date information on this review, please visit www.winchester.gov.uk/CGR ‘
It was noted that the Informal Group were in discussion with similar sized towns who have been through the CGR process, who have, or are in the process of forming a new town council.
Councillor Tippett-Cooper – Culture Informal Group
Progress update from the group included:
a) The Buttercross – restoration works were due to commence at the end of February/early March. Scaffolding would be erected around the Buttercross during the works, with full details available online for the public to access.
b) Hyde Gate – Historic England and officers were liaising regarding the landscaping scheme report which was progressing. Progress on archaeological reports for the Hyde housing wall were ongoing and was a key stage before the rebuild could take place. A start date for works was expected shortly.
Councillor Batho (on behalf of Cllr Eve) - Climate and Open Space Informal Group
Progress updates from the group as follows:
The forum were reminded that, at its last meeting, they had supported and endorsed a MUGA at St Matthew’s Field. Councillor Batho had been asked to explore CIL funding. Councillor Batho reported that it had since been suggested that a split bid to district and town forum CIL funding would be advisable. An application has been submitted to district CIL for £110k (referred to as the north Winchester MUGA) and there was a suggestion that the ‘make space for girls’ initiative was considered so that a wider audience could be addressed. Advice has been discussed with youth options, and a second CIL application has been submitted to town forum for CIL funds for £40k (youth provision in north Winchester). Recommendations from the town accounts informal group in respect of CIL applications would come forward to the next meeting of the forum on 9 March 2026 for approval. In response, members of the forum indicated their support of a MUGA and the wider youth provision in north Winchester.
Councillor Aron - Grants and Community Empowerment Informal Group
Progress update from the group including:
a) All charities who may or may not have applied for grants before were encouraged to submit their applications ahead of the 31March 2026 deadline. Of the 19 grants made so far; only 4 were new charities. Where a charity was applying for a grant, ward members were encouraged to attend the application process to support their charities.
RESOLVED:
1. That the Town Accounts Informal Group and the Community Governance Review Informal Group be combined and renamed ‘Transition to Town Council Informal Group’, comprising of the existing membership of both informal groups, with Councillor Batho to Chair and Councillor Learney to retain leadership for the town account, budgets and financial activities of the group for the remainder of the 2025/26 municipal year; and
2. That the updates received from the Town Informal Groups as set out above, be noted.