Issue - meetings

(A report by John Medler, Assistant Director – Governance & Monitoring Officer)

The Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Mike Gilbert, introduced the report and provided an update on the Community Governance Review (CGR) being undertaken in respect of the unparished areas of Boston. The report set out the outcomes of the Stage 1 public consultation, summarised the evidence considered by the Community Governance Review Working Group, and presented the draft recommendations for approval to proceed to Stage 2 consultation.

Members were reminded that the review was being undertaken under Part 4 of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007, and had been initiated in light of emerging proposals for Local Government Reorganisation, which would result in Boston Borough Council being abolished. It was explained that, in the absence of a parish or town council, the unparished areas of Boston would otherwise be left without a democratically elected tier of community governance.

The Deputy Leader outlined that the Stage 1 consultation, undertaken between 14 July and 26 August 2025, had sought views on whether a parish or town council should be established for Boston, whether any existing parish boundaries should be altered, and how future governance arrangements might best reflect community identity and ensure effective and convenient local government. A total of 126 consultation responses had been received, with a clear majority expressing support for the creation of a single parish council covering the unparished area of Boston.

The draft recommendations approved by the Working Group included the establishment of a single parish of Boston aligned with the current Boston Town Area Committee footprint, limited adjustments to the Wyberton parish boundary to address small unparished areas, a parish council size of 22 councillors, warding arrangements aligned to existing borough wards, and first elections to take place in May 2027.

Members engaged in detailed discussion on the proposed recommendations and the evidence underpinning them.

Broad support was expressed for the principle of ensuring that Boston residents retained a strong local democratic voice, particularly given the scale of change anticipated through Local Government Reorganisation. The importance of safeguarding Boston’s historic identity, civic traditions and assets was emphasised, and it was noted that the establishment of a town or parish council would provide a democratic body capable of holding and managing those assets in the future.

Concerns were expressed about the relatively low number of consultation responses in the context of the size of the town, and Members highlighted the need for the Council to take steps to increase public awareness and participation during the next phase of consultation. It was noted that some residents remained unclear about the implications of Local Government Reorganisation and the potential consequences of inaction, and that clearer messaging would be essential during Stage 2.

Members discussed the legal framework governing community governance reviews, including the statutory tests relating to community identity, effective and convenient local government, and the need to actively consider reasonable alternatives. The importance of ensuring that the process remained open, transparent and evidence?led was highlighted, with Stage 2 consultation recognised as a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 65