Community Governance Review – Residents’ Views Sought

Press Release

10 June 2026

Tewkesbury Borough Council is inviting residents to share their views on parish arrangements as part of a Community Governance Review (CGR) which is underway across the borough.

The borough council recognises the vital role parish councils play in supporting and representing local communities.  As neighbourhoods grow and change, it is important that parish governance remains robust, representative, and able to meet local needs. The CGR will consider whether current parish boundaries, governance structures and electoral arrangements continue to reflect the identities and interests of local communities and facilitate effective and convenient local government.

Cllr Richard Stanley, Leader of Tewkesbury Borough Council, said: “This review is about ensuring parish governance reflects community needs and remains effective during a time of major change. Significant development in recent years means some parish boundaries no longer reflect how communities have grown, and further change is expected. With parish elections in 2027 and wider reorganisation ahead, it’s important that arrangements remain fit for purpose, especially as parish areas will eventually be used as the building blocks for any new warding arrangements at unitary council level.

“We are consulting our town and parish councils, elected representatives at all levels, and community groups. However, we encourage all residents to take part and have their say on the future of local representation in the parishes within Tewkesbury Borough. Residents know their communities best, and parish councils play a critical role in managing services, assets and more. We want to make sure they continue to be fit for purpose.”

The deadline for comments on the first stage of the Community Governance Review consultation is 26 June 2026.

The full terms of reference for the review – including a list of parish areas, parish wards, maps, councillor numbers and more – is available on the council’s website at tewkesbury.gov.uk/cgr. There is also an online form that residents can use to submit comments.

ENDS

Notes to editor:

This follows news that Government is likely to announce its decision on Local Government Reorganisation in Gloucestershire in July 2026, and comes as the borough prepares for parish council elections in May 2027 (alongside elections for potential shadow unitary council(s)). If Local Government Reorganisation in Gloucestershire is delayed, borough council elections are likely to take place in May 2027. 

Jemima Lawson

Communications Officer

Transformation

Tewkesbury Borough Council

01684 272026

tewkesbury.gov.uk