Community Governance Review

Community Governance Review

Westminster City Council is currently conducting a Community Governance Review. The aim of the review is to assess new forms of community governance, involvement and representation in Westminster.

This includes assessing the potential for Parish Councils, as well as the Government’s new proposals for Neighbourhood Forums (as set out in the Localism Act). For further information about why we are conducting this review, see Background.

Public Consultation

A key part of the review was to give residents, businesses and interested organisations an opportunity to submit their views on how they want to represent their neighbourhoods, and potentially get involved in the delivery of services.

The council undertook a 14 week period of Westminster-wide consultation from 14th November 2011 to 17th February 2012.

The council produced a consultation document which sets out the background to community governance in Westminster, and the possible alternative arrangements that could be put in place in your area.

We would like to thank all those who responded to the consultation. In total, over 400 responses were received. We have produced a post-consultation report which provides full details of the consultation, including the publication of all responses received.

Cabinet and Full Council Meetings April 2012

Westminster City Council has resolved to undertake a referendum to ask all Queen’s Park residents on the electoral register whether they support the formation of the Queen’s Park Community Council.

We have also agreed to acknowledge the opportunity for Neighbourhood Forums in Westminster, and to acknowledge all expressions of interest in their formation. It was recommended that applications for neighbourhood areas should reflect whole neighbourhood areas that are clearly identifiable, established and recognised areas of Westminster. Find out further details in relation to neighbourhood planning, including the process for becoming a Neighbourhood Forum

The full report that went to both Cabinet and Full Council Meetings can be downloaded here.

Queen’s Park Ward Referendum

The referendum is currently scheduled to start in the week commencing 7th May 2012 and will continue until Friday 25th May 2012. All Queen’s Park Ward residents on the electoral register will receive a ballot paper in the post, and will be able to vote on whether or not they support the creation of the Queen’s Park Community Council. To help residents decide, supporting information will be provided alongside the ballot paper. Residents will be able to vote by post, internet, telephone, and SMS (text).

Queen’s Park Community Council - Final Decision

The formal decision in relation to the formation of the Queen’s Park Community Council will be made at a special Cabinet meeting on 11th June 2012 and extraordinary Full Council meeting on 25th June 2012.