The first election cycle for the new parish councils in Swindon will take place on 4 May.
In each of the new parishes, a shadow parish council has been formed. This is made up largely of Swindon Borough Council ward councillors from each area. The shadow parish councils are responsible for deciding which services they wish to provide in each of their areas, setting their budget and the resulting precept, and putting in place arrangements for services to be provided from 1 April.
Work is currently still underway with Swindon Borough Council staff to make these arrangements.
The decision to parish previously unparished areas of the Borough followed a year-long Community Governance Review process which involved extensive engagement and formal consultation with residents and parish councils.
The statutory minimum number of parish councillors for each area is five - there is no maximum number.
The number of parish councillors in existing parishes in Swindon range from 5 to 23.
Anyone who is interested in becoming a parish councillor can find information about what is required on the ‘How to become a councillor’ webpage.
Prospective candidates should contact the election office from 1 March for a nomination pack. All nominations must be received by 4pm on Tuesday 4 April.
Anyone wishing to vote but unable to get to a polling station on 4 May can request a postal vote.
To apply, call 01793 464601 or email: [email protected]
Residents who still remain unsure which parished area they live in can use the postcode checker at: www.swindon.gov.uk/parishes
Your Comments
Be the first to comment on this article
Login or Register to post a comment on this article