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

Latest Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Our latest FAQs document aims to explain all the questions you might have about this consultation on the recommendations for a Welwyn Garden City Parish Council.

You can also view answers to some more general questions about the Community Governance Review below.

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.

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