Decision details
Community Governance Review
Decision Maker: Council
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: No
Purpose:
Report on consultation for community
governance review agreed by Council in November 2026.
Decisions:
Councillor Mike Evemy, Leader of the Council, introduced the item, reminding members that Council had agreed to undertake a community governance review in November in response to requests from a number of parish and town councils. He explained that the report before members summarised the consultation outcomes, feedback from ward members, and recommendations for council decisions.
Councillor Evemy outlined the recommendations:
· Cirencester and Preston/Siddington boundaries – No changes were proposed. While differences of opinion existed between Cirencester Town Council and the relevant parish councils, consultation responses indicated that residents in the affected areas preferred to remain in their current parishes. The report concluded that boundary changes at this time were premature, noting pending strategic developments.
· Cutsdean Parish Council – The proposal to become a parish meeting was supported, with the change scheduled to take effect no later than 1 October 2026.
· Fairford Town Council – The request to increase councillor numbers was supported.
· Moreton-in-Marsh – No boundary changes were proposed, as any adjustment was considered premature.
· Southrop Parish Council – The proposal to increase councillor numbers was supported.
· Tetbury Town Council – The proposal to establish wards was supported by the town council and reflected the majority consultation preference.
The Chair invited questions for clarity. Councillor Len Wilkins sought confirmation on whether the Cutsdean changes could take effect sooner due to operational challenges. Councillor Evemy confirmed awareness of the October 2026 timeline, and that the change would come into effect no later than the 1st of October2026 once all the legal requirements had been put in place. Councillor David Fowles commented on the active role of Southrop Parish Council and sought clarification regarding the loss of precept powers when a parish council becomes a parish meeting, the loss of precept was confirmed by officers. Councillor Patrick Coleman raised a query regarding population versus electorate numbers for Fairford and Southrop, which officers agreed to clarify post-meeting. Councillor Laura Hall-Wilson requested a good communications approach to ensure residents understood the changes, which Councillor Evemy confirmed would be coordinated with Tetbury Town Council and officers.
Several members expressed views during the debate:
Councillor Joe Harris emphasised the long-standing resident preference for Siddington residents to remain within their parish, reflecting community pride.
Councillor Ian Watson and Councillor Laura Hall-Wilson supported clear communications for affected residents, particularly in Tetbury.
Councillor Patrick Coleman and Councillor Helene Mansilla endorsed the recommendations for Fairford and Moreton-in-Marsh, noting alignment with council guidance on size and representation.
Councillor Paul Evans welcomed the decision to respect residents’ wishes in Siddington and requested clarification of consultation responses, which Councillor Evemy provided in the summing-up.
Councillor Juliet Layton seconded the proposal, expressing support for residents’ views in Siddington.
At the Chair’s invitation, Councillor Mike Evemy summed up, confirming that 90 consultation responses had been received regarding Siddington, with the majority expressing a desire to remain in Siddington. He noted that Fairford and Moreton-in-Marsh had declined warding proposals, while Tetbury’s warding arrangement was supported for better local representation. The recommendations regarding the status quo for Cirencester, Preston, and Siddington, as well as other proposed changes, were confirmed as appropriate.
The Chair moved to the vote on the resolution, which was proposed by Councillor Mike Evemy and seconded by Councillor Juliet Layton.
Voting Record:
29 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.
Report author: Sarah Dalby
Publication date: 17/04/2026
Date of decision: 18/03/2026
Decided at meeting: 18/03/2026 - Council
Accompanying Documents:
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