A new parish council for the Winchester town area? Consultation launched today
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Winchester City Council wants to hear from local residents, businesses and community groups, as it has launched a Community Governance Review for the Winchester town area to explore whether there would be support for the creation of a new parish council for the currently unparished part of the city.
The request follows recent announcements from Government of its intention to create new, larger unitary councils across Hampshire in 2028, which would be responsible for the services currently delivered by a county council and a district council. A community governance review could result in the creation of a new parish council for the Winchester town area, which would mean that even when the new councils come into existence, local representation will remain for the people living there.
During this consultation period, the council will explore whether there is local support to create a new local council for the unparished area of the town, at the same time it’ll also explore whether local communities feel that some of the neighbouring parish boundaries still make sense and are effective.
The consultation also explains that the creation of a parish council is one of the ways Winchester’s historic city status and Mayoralty can be retained beyond the creation of new unitary councils in 2028.
Cllr Kathleen Becker, Cabinet Member for Healthy Communities, said:
“Our main focus is the unparished area of Winchester town and making sure residents have a strong voice and are properly represented. Parish councils are the most local tier of government and know their communities and needs really well.
"There is so much change on the horizon for Hampshire, we want to make sure our residents living in the Winchester town area have sufficient community engagement, local democracy, and that the delivery of local services are as effective as possible.”
To support this consultation, drop-in public information engagement events have been arranged so local people can learn more about the consultation process, talk to officers and councillors, and have their say.
Wednesday 12 November; Guildhall Winchester; 3-7pm
Tuesday 18 November; Badger Farm Community Centre; 3-7pm
Wednesday 26 November; Community Lounge, Henry Beaufort School; 5-8pm
Saturday 29 November; Guildhall Winchester; 10am-2pm
A second stage consultation, shaped by the responses to this one, will likely take place next summer, with a final decision expected to be made by Full Council in autumn 2026.
To have your say, or find out more, visit www.winchester.gov.uk/CGR