Have your say on the creation of a new parish council for Welwyn Garden City

What is a parish or town council?

A parish council would be run independently of the new unitary councils.

A parish council, once set up, can choose to call itself town council.

The role of a parish council is to focus on local activities such as organising and running local:

• events
• community projects
• allotments
• parks and play areas.

This would be different to the new unitary councils who would be responsible for:

• infrastructure planning and highways maintenance
• adult social care and children’s services
• waste
• planning
• licensing
• running elections
• Council Tax collection.  

Find out more about what a parish council does on the National Association of Local Councils website.

Why are we consulting on a Parish Council and not a Town Council?

Establishing a Town council is not an option for a Community Governance Review.   

In the past, the default position was always that Parish councils were created, and the Parish could style itself “Town” by making this decision after creation. 

The law does now allow for three further alternative styles of “Village”, “Neighbourhood” and “Community” to be created during a Community Governance Review but the ability to style a new Parish council as a “Town” straight away is not included in the law.  

What is a Neighbourhood Area Committee?

The government have suggested that Neighbourhood Area Committees could be set up support the new Unitary authorities working at a neighbourhood level.

A Neighbourhood Area Committee might include:

• elected councillors
• partners from health, police, fire and rescue, education and business
• community representatives.

Their aim is to create opportunities to collaborate and gather information for towns and villages.

A Neighbourhood Area Committee could be used to engage with Welwyn Garden City residents on how to represent their community.

How are town and parish councils funded?

Town and parish councils do not receive funding from the government to support their activities.

Instead they can be funded through Council Tax and income from fees and charges for council services, and also from the Community Infrastructure Levy.

A new parish council for Welwyn Garden City would decide how much funding they need to raise from Council Tax each year in order to provide services and facilities for the benefit of the community.

It is not possible yet to decide how much this charge will be as it will be based on the size and functions of the new council. Currently the Council Tax charged by other town and parish councils in Welwyn Hatfield ranges from £12.14 and £181.71 for a band D property in 2026/27.

This cost would be added to, and collected with, Council Tax through an additional payment called a precept. This is paid by Council Tax payers in the area covered by the parish council.

If assets (such as community centres and parks) were transferred from the Borough Council to a new parish council this may reduce the Special Expenses charges currently paid by residents of Welwyn Garden City.

If a new Parish Council is established for Welwyn Garden City, how would I be required to fund the new Council?

If you are a resident of Welwyn Garden City you would charged a precept to your Council tax which would be an additional amount that the Parish Council determines is required to meet its costs.

These costs include the running and administration of the Council as well as the direct cost of the services it provides.

A special expense is already charged by the Borough Council, which may reduce if assets are transferred to the new Council.

It is not possible at this stage to determine what level Council Tax a new Council would choose to charge, and levels of Council tax for Town and Parish Councils in Welwyn Hatfield range from £12.14 and £181.71 for a band D property in 2026/27.

This reflects that Town and Parish Councils vary in terms of size and functions and responsibilities.

If you are a resident outside of Welwyn Garden City, there would not be a direct cost that is added to your Council tax.

However, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, as principal authority, would need to ensure it has the resources in place to fulfil its role as principal authority.

This cost is factored into the overall council tax level and this is the case for all Parish and Town Councils in the Borough.  

Will I see any changes to services when Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council is abolished?

No, residents should not see any changes to their services or use and enjoyment of Council assets or the management of the Council’s housing stock.

The new unitary Council will take over the services, functions and responsibilities of the Council and the Council is already planning for this.

The Council is working with all Councils in Hertfordshire on the transition and the needs and best interests of residents remain our priority.

Is the Council reviewing other Town and Parish Councils in the Borough?

The scope of the review is defined in the published Terms of Reference and the Council will only look at options that are within scope.

Only consideration of a new Parish Council for Welwyn Garden City is in scope and no changes to other Town and Parish Council are being considered.

It is possible to amend the Terms of Reference during the process if the Council considers there is a need and the Council will be transparent about this and would consult on any amendments.   

Will the Council’s decision reflect the consultation responses?

The consultation responses are an important part of the process because they enable the Council to understand what form of community empowerment and engagement is most supported by the community.

However, the Council is not bound by the consultation responses.

The responses are one factor to be balanced with all other relevant factors.

For example, the Council might attach weight to the direction of local government reorganisation or any factors mentioned within the Statutory Guidance such as viability.  

Do the residents of Welwyn Garden City have a greater say in the process compared to residents in other parts of the Borough and key stakeholders?

The Council has an obligation to consult with the residents of Welwyn Garden City and any persons that appear to have an interest in the review.

In light of local government reorganisation, and the overall impact on the Council’s resources from the potential options, all residents and stakeholders in the Borough are being consulted.

All consultation responses will be evaluated on the same basis and on their content.

If there is a material difference in responses from residents in Welwyn Garden City compared to other residents and stakeholders in the Borough, the Council may consider how this should be reflected in its decision-making (if at all)

Will the Council publish or share my personal data?

The Council has a legal obligation to protect and safeguard personal data received from any residents as part of the process.

The Council will not publish any personal data received as part of the process and any sharing of the data would be limited to those officers and Councillors that are involved in the process.

Any consultation responses that may need to be published as part of the process will be anonymised or redacted appropriately. 

Will I be able to watch the final decision being made and will the Council be transparent about this?

The final decision on what option will be agreed by the Council will be made at a public meeting.

Members of the public and stakeholders will be able to watch the debate and decision by livestream or by attending the meeting at the Council’s offices.

This will be a meeting where all elected Councillors are invited to attend and debate before making a final decision.

The Council may decide on any of the options within the published Terms of Reference or may decide that the status quo is in the best interests of the community. 

If I need more information or have questions, who can I ask?

We realise that the community governance review process may be new for some residents and stakeholders and there may be a desire for more information on certain aspects.

If you have any questions or would like more information on any aspect of the process, please feel free to contact us at the following email address.

This email address is dedicated to this process and officers would be pleased to assist you.

governancereview@welhat.gov.uk

or you could post your written submission to:

Legal and Democratic Services

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council

The Campus

Welwyn Garden City

AL8 6AE