Have your say on how West Bridgford will be governed in the future
Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC) has received a petition from residents in West Bridgford asking for the creation of a new parish and associated council, which in time could become a town council.
The petition proposes “the creation of a Town Council for West Bridgford in the Borough of Rushcliffe, Nottinghamshire to:
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Better match policies and resources with the needs of the whole community.
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Enhance a sense of place, supporting our local environment, communities and local distinctiveness.
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Increase community empowerment, engagement and cohesion”.
The petition had 2,868 valid signatures from electors within the currently unparished area of West Bridgford triggering a Community Governance Review. A Community Governance Review is a process governed by legislation and undertaken by Rushcliffe Borough Council.
Creating a new parish, and associated council, for West Bridgford
What is a Community Governance Review?
The Council received a petition from residents living in West Bridgford who want to create a new parish, and associated council, for the town, because of this RBC (by law) has to carry out what is known as a Community Governance Review.
As part of this review, the Council has to find out how much support there is from residents and other interested local organisations in West Bridgford for a new parish to be created.
RBC also need to establish whether it would provide effective and convenient local governance. The proposed boundary for the new parish, as defined by the petitioners, is shown on the map below:
RBC has to demonstrate there is sufficient community support to make this change so it is really important that you tell us what you think.
What do we mean by ‘parish, and associated council’?
Approximately 40,000 of the Borough’s 125,000 residents live in West Bridgford which is currently the only unparished area of the Borough of Rushcliffe.
Parish councils are the most local level of elected local government which represent the interests of their community and are funded through an additional charge added to council tax bills, which is called a ‘precept’.
Many town and parish councils are involved in local matters such as children’s play parks, allotments and community halls, street-cleaning and litter-picking, markets and memorials, as well as organising community events and providing a vital link between your community and the Borough Council.
In West Bridgford, the functions of a parish council are currently undertaken by the RBC for which a Special Expense is charged.
A Community Governance Review can only create a parish and associated council. The status of town council, which is what is requested in the petition, is something a parish confers on itself so this can only be done after the parish, and associated council, has been created, councillors elected and the first meeting of the new council held.
Will it cost me anymore than I pay now?
The amount of charge, or precept, depends on the services and facilities each council provides.
It is not possible to confirm that establishing a Town Council would be cost neutral and there is a risk that there would be some cost increases.
Firstly, there would be a range of additional one-off costs such as setting up new contracts, securing suitable premises, establishing new financial and operating systems, including the transfer of staff.
Secondly, there would be ongoing costs including insurance for transferred assets, maintaining contractual obligations and funding any initial capital expenditure
Local councils can also apply for grants and loans.
The precept is usually decided by the parish or town council and is included in your Council Tax bill issued by RBC. The first precept of any new parish would be set by the Borough Council in collaboration with local community representatives in advance of the first councillors to the new council being elected.
Currently, residents in West Bridgford pay a Special Expense of £67.40 per annum in addition to their Council Tax. There are 31,805 electors in West Bridgford and the Special Expense enables the Borough Council to act in lieu of a parish or town council providing some parks and playing fields and children’s play areas; allotments; some community halls; the Christmas illuminations, fortnightly market and other events; memorial gardens, public seating, litter bins, and notice boards.
More information about the Special Expense can be viewed online.
The Community Governance Review will consider what services are provided by the new council, what assets are transferred, how many staff it needs, and other such matters.
The cost of providing all of this within a separate council will be estimated and taken into consideration in making the decision whether a new council for West Bridgford can provide convenient and effective local governance in this area.
What is the process and who will have a say?
The Council has now published a detailed terms of reference document which sets out how the review will be undertaken.
We are now in the first consultation stage. Every household in the petitioned area will receive a copy of this information sheet and have the opportunity to tell us what they think. Even if you signed the original petition you should still respond to this consultation.
What happens next?
The findings of the consultation on whether to create a new parish for West Bridgford will be considered by RBC. The Council will make a recommendation which residents will be able to comment on in the spring in a second stage of consultation. A final decision on this will be taken by RBC in September 2027.
All comments for the initial consultation must be received by Friday 1 January 2027 so they can be included. The comments will be considered and draft proposals will be developed.
You can have your say on the draft proposals which will be published in spring 2027 when there will be a second stage to this consultation. It is vital that you respond to both stages of the consultation.
Proposal put forward by petitioners
Residents of West Bridgford who triggered this Community Governance Review through the submission of a valid petition had to make clear what area the petition covered.
The area proposed by the petition to be the new parish of West Bridgford is shown below.
During the second stage of this Review, once the community has responded to the first stage of the consultation indicating their support for the creation of new parish, and associated council, for West Bridgford, RBC will consider whether the proposed boundaries encompass a distinct community identity and whether this new parish can deliver convenient and effective local governance.
The Borough Council’s draft recommendations will be consulted on as part of the second stage of the Community Governance Review in spring 2027.
Do you have a question on this community governance review?
Please email consultation@rushcliffe.gov.uk or call 0115 981 9911, Monday to Thursday 8.30am-5pm and Friday 8.30am-4.30pm.
For information on how Rushcliffe Borough Council uses your data, please refer to the Privacy Notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
I signed the petition. Do I still need to respond to the consultation?
Yes. Signing the petition only indicated support for carrying out a Community Governance Review. The consultation is your opportunity to express your views on whether a new parish and associated council should be created.
Can I take part if I did not sign the petition?
Yes. All residents and interested parties are encouraged to participate in the consultation, regardless of whether they signed the original petition.
Who can take part in the consultation?
Residents who live in West Bridgford can submit their views. Businesses, community organisations and local groups in West Bridgford are also invited to share their views.
Please provide your full name and postal address when you respond to the consultation so we can verify that you are a West Bridgford resident, business or community association.
What does a Parish or Town Council do?
Parish and town councils represent local communities and can provide or support services such as:
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Parks and open spaces
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Children's play areas
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Allotments
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Community halls
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Markets and local events
What is the difference between a Parish Council and a Town Council?
In terms of legal powers, duties, and statutory responsibilities, there is no difference between a parish or town council. Town councils often cover larger urban or market town settlements, while parish councils are more frequently associated with smaller villages or rural civil parishes. In addition, a town council elects a Mayor from its elected councillors, who has specific civic responsibilities, whereas a parish council is led by a chairman.
Will my council tax increase?
The amount of charge, or precept, depends on the services and facilities each council provides.
It is not possible to confirm that establishing a Town Council would be cost neutral and there is a risk that there would be some cost increases.
Will my business rates increase?
Any new council would set the precept that confirms the Council Tax level for local residents, but this will not influence business rates.
What is the current Special Expense charge?
Residents in West Bridgford currently pay a Special Expense charge of £67.40 per year in addition to their council tax.
Who would decide future costs if passed?
The amount collected through council tax to fund a Parish or Town Council would be determined by the elected Parish or Town Council.
What area would the new parish cover?
The proposed boundary suggested in the petition will be considered as part of the review process and is not yet final.
What happens after this consultation?
Following the first consultation, all responses will be reviewed and draft recommendations will be prepared. These draft recommendations will be published for a second period of consultation in spring 2027.
When will a final decision be made?
The final decision is expected to be made based on the final recommendations in September 2027.