Community Governance Review

BOROUGH COUNCIL OF WELLINGBOROUGH AGENDA ITEM 9 COUNCIL 27 November 2018

Report of Managing Director

COMMUNITY GOVERNANCE REVIEW

1 Purpose of report

To inform members of the outcome of the Community Governance Review (CGR) initial submission and consultation, and provide final proposals for the next stage of the process.

2 Executive summary

2.1 The last CGR was carried out in 2012. The council has the responsibility for carrying out reviews approximately every 10-15 years. Despite the fact that it has only been six years since the last review, expected changes to local governance in Northamptonshire has prompted the CGR, with a view to the formation of a town council for Wellingborough.

2.2 This CGR commenced on 17 May 2018 when the terms of reference for the review were published. A seven week consultation period then followed until 5 July 2018 where submissions for the review were invited.

2.3 Following the council meeting on 17 July 2018, a consultation was undertaken on the agreed draft proposals. The consultation ran between 23 July 2018 and 23 October 2018

2.4 Members are invited to consider the consultation responses and agree final recommendations as a result of the CGR process.

2.5 Areas affected: Wellingborough, Finedon parish, Great Harrowden parish

3 Appendices

3.1 Appendix A: Proposed electoral arrangements for a town council 3.2 Appendix B: Map of the final proposed area 3.3 Appendix C: Consultation report including full responses 3.4 Appendix D: Terms of Reference for the CGR

4 Proposed action: The council is invited to RESOLVE to:

4.1 Determine whether the proposal for the creation of a town council should progress and, if so, whether it be based on the final proposal A or B 4.2 Include within proposals A or B a change to the town boundary to

1 include the whole area of the two Sustainable Urban Extensions (Stanton Cross and Glenvale Park); 4.3 If it is determined to create a town council as per 4.1, to make arrangements for a re-organisation order to be put before council on 22 January 2019

5 Background

5.1 The last review of all parishes took place in 2012. Best practice suggests that a Community Governance Review should be held every ten to fifteen years. 5.2 From February 2008 the council has had responsibility for carrying out Community Governance Reviews (CGR) for the borough which took the place of parish reviews. Whilst initiated by the borough council, CGRs tend to be led by the requirements of the existing or proposed parish councils. The purpose of the CGR is to give those councils sufficient opportunity to consider whether they wish to make any changes. Best practice suggests that reviews should take place every 10-15 years. 5.3 Members approved the terms of reference for this review at the extraordinary council meeting on 16 May 2018. The terms of reference contain details of the review process together with a timetable of key dates. 5.4 There are various stages to the CGR, and at each stage the council must consult with local residents. The whole process is expected to take nine months. 6 Consultation responses 6.1 Draft proposals were agreed by members at the full council meeting on 17 July 2018. Public consultation on the draft proposals commenced on 23 July 2018 and ran for three months to 23 October 2018. 6.2 A consultation questionnaire was made available online and was promoted through the council’s website and social media channels. In addition, during this year’s annual electoral registration canvass, all the properties in the town – amounting to 22,290 - received a leaflet with their household enquiry form promoting the council’s website page and encouraging residents to complete the online survey. 6.3 166 responses were received to the consultation on the draft proposals. This represents 0.4% of the current electorate of the town; the map in Appendix C shows the spread of responses across the town. 6.4 Of the 166 responses, 80.12% were in agreement with the statement “Wellingborough should have a town council.” 7 Discussion

7.1 As per the review timetable, a three month public consultation period concluded on 23 October 2018. Council can now determine to move to the next stage if it is so minded; namely the final proposal for a town council. 7.2 As part of the final proposal a change is also recommended to amend the boundaries between the town and Finedon and Great Harrowden parishes, in

2 line with the Sustainable Urban Extensions (SUEs) in Stanton Cross and Glenvale Park under development on the edges of the town. If existing boundaries remain, both developments would have town/parish boundaries running through them, therefore dividing the community from an electoral representation point of view. The effect of the proposed boundary changes would be to bring the total areas of Stanton Cross and Glenvale Park within the remit of the town council. 7.3 Details are summarised below, together with relevant background information that officers have taken into account when drawing up the final proposals. Full details of the two options submitted have been included at Appendix A, but are summarised below.

7.4 If council agrees one of the proposals below, a re-organisation order will be created and presented to the council meeting in January 2019.

7.5 The CGR report which went to council in July this year regarding the draft proposals stated that permission would need to be sought from the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) regarding any changes to boundaries with surrounding parishes. Following further advice from LGBCE this position has been reversed, as no electoral arrangements were made for parish councils at the time of the last LGBCE review of the borough.

7.6 Proposal A: Twenty-three councillors over nine wards

A town council covering the town of Wellingborough, co-terminus with the surrounding parish boundaries. The current wards of the town would be used as the basis for the warding of the parish, with polling district CA (Croyland) joining Swanspool ward and polling districts FA (Millers Park) and IB (John Lea area of Irchester ward) joining the remaining polling districts (CB and CC) of Croyland ward. Electorate details are contained in appendix A.

Finedon and Great Harrowden parish boundaries would be amended to ensure that the SUEs currently being developed in the town are represented by the town council.

7.7 Proposal B: Eighteen councillors over nine wards

Finedon and Great Harrowden parish boundaries would be amended to ensure that the SUEs currently being developed in the town are represented by the town council.

3 7.8 Proposal C: No town council is proposed For completeness, the option to take no further action is included.

7.9 Finedon parish boundary

Current arrangements: Finedon parish boundary is currently co-terminus with Finedon ward.

Proposed arrangements: Amend the Finedon parish boundary to exclude all of the proposed Stanton Cross development as outlined in the hatched areas on the map attached as part of appendix A.

7.10 Great Harrowden parish boundary

Current arrangements: Great Harrowden parish boundary is currently co- terminus with the western boundary of Finedon ward and the northern boundaries of Rixon and Redwell wards.

Proposed arrangements: Amend the boundary of Great Harrowden parish to exclude all of the proposed Glenvale Park development as outlined in the hatched areas on the map attached as appendix A.

8 Electoral arrangements 8.1 The average representation at parish level across the borough is one councillor per 224 electors. If proportionate representation were to be required in the town this would result in 171 councillors for a town council. This is clearly not a realistic approach, and the fact that rural parishes cover wider geographic areas must be taken into account. In addition, no parish (with the exception of Irchester) is warded. (Note: Irchester parish is warded to recognise the separate community of Little Irchester.)

8.2 Details of other town councils of comparable size (and larger town councils in Northamptonshire) are outlined below:

Town Council Population Members Pop. per member Rushden 29,000 21 1381 Daventry 25,000 17 1471 Dunstable 36,000 21 1714 Weymouth* 52,000 29 1793 Banbury 44,000 22 2000 Warwick 31,000 15 2067 Aylesbury 58,000 25 2320 Leamington Spa 56,000 16 3500

*Weymouth Town Council is has been established following a Community Governance Review undertaken by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council but no elections have yet taken place (due in May 2019). Creation of this town council hinges on the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government approving plans for Dorset to move to a unitary authority model.

8.3 Figures for representation at town council level vary greatly between councils and there is no discernible guidance from government with regard to the number of electors to be represented by councillors.

8.4 The current electorate of the town (the unparished area of the borough) as at September 2018 is 38,443.

8.5 Legislation demands that the number of any parish councillors shall be not less than five councillors but there is no maximum number.

8.6 A recurring concern from the consultation was that the draft proposal contained too many councillors. Proposal A (23 councillors for the town) would give an average representation of 1,667 electors per councillor. Proposal B (18 councillors for the town) would provide two councillors per ward and give an average representation of 2,136 electors per councillor.

8.7 Under Proposal A, the proposed electoral arrangements for the town council are within ±5% of the average representation figure. Under Proposal B, the proposed electoral arrangements have a much greater differential, being within ±24% (with the exception of the proposed Isebrook ward, which is -59% of the average representation figure). Full details of the proposed warding can be found at Appendix A.

9 Legal powers 9.1 Local Government and Public Involvement and Health Act 2007 Representation of the People Act 1983

10 Financial and value for money implications 10.1 The council will need to bear the cost of a review, for which no separate budget is available in 2018/19. Costs will include employee time, printing, postage, and advertising.

11 Risk analysis

Nature of risk Consequences Likelihood of Control if realised occurrence measures Changes to Dissatisfaction Likely, given Carry out review, local with recent with full local government arrangements comments and consultation arrangements in and use of requests for Northants legislation to consideration Ensure that resulting in implement a sufficient governance review information is arrangements provided so that not reflecting electors local understand the expectations likely role of a town council

5 12 Implications for resources, equalities and stronger and safer communities 12.1 The review has required a significant amount of time from the electoral services team. The review has been timed for a year when there are no scheduled elections. The majority of the review has been carried out before the bulk of preparations for the local government elections in 2019 (assuming they are not delayed) have begun with the consultation run alongside the annual canvass.

12.2 The Community Governance Review is designed to develop and encourage community governance by giving local people the opportunity to put forward their views and proposals.

12.3 It has been identified that the CGR has the potential for high positive impact on a number of the protected characteristics identified in the Equality Act 2010. The terms of reference appended to this report includes a consultation strategy to ensure that the views of members of hard to reach groups are taken into account when carrying out the review.

12.4 A full list of consultees has been attached at as part of the consultation report at Appendix C.

13 Author and contact officer Sam Whiteley, Electoral Services Team Leader

14 Consultees Electoral Registration Officer Liz Elliott, Managing Director Karen Denton, Assistant Director

15 Background papers The background papers comprise legislation, government guidance, and data relating to: numbers of electors, previous elections and development within the borough.

6 Appendix A

 Creation of a single parish council covering the town of Wellingborough  Recommend that the name of the proposed council to be Wellingborough Town Council  The first election to the proposed council to be on the same date as the next ordinary elections of parish councils in the borough (May 2019, unless this date is amended by statute)  The proposed new parish area to be divided into 9 wards for the purposes of electing councillors  The boundaries of the wards of the proposed new parish council to be as indicated on the map below  The boundaries of Great Harrowden and Finedon parishes to be amended to allow for the Glenvale Park and Stanton Cross Sustainable Urban Extensions to be fully contained within the boundary for, and thus under the remit of, the town council (as indicated in the hatched areas of the map at Appendix B) pending approval from the Local Government Boundary Commission for England  The number of councillors to be elected to the proposed new parish council (council size) to be either 23 councillors or 18 councillors as outlined below  The name of the proposed wards and the number of councillors to be elected to said proposed wards as indicated below

Proposal A Ward Electorate Councillors Electorate per councillor Polling districts in ward Brickhill 3228 2 1614 BA, BB, BC Croyland 4792 3 1597 CB, CC, IB, FA Hatton 3313 2 1657 HA, HB, HC, HD Isebrook 1762 1 1762 JA, JB Queensway 5214 3 1738 KA, KB, KC Redwell 5224 3 1741 LA, LB Rixon 5236 3 1745 MA, MB, MC, MD, ME Swanspool 4890 3 1630 NA, NB, NC, ND, CA Victoria 4784 3 1595 OA

Proposal B Ward Electorate Councillors Electorate per councillor Polling districts in ward Brickhill 3228 2 1614 BA, BB, BC Croyland 4792 2 2396 CB, CC, IB, FA Hatton 3313 2 1657 HA, HB, HC, HD Isebrook 1762 2 881 JA, JB Queensway 5214 2 2607 KA, KB, KC Redwell 5224 2 2612 LA, LB Rixon 5236 2 2618 MA, MB, MC, MD, ME Swanspool 4890 2 2445 NA, NB, NC, ND, CA Victoria 4784 2 2392 OA

2 Appendix B Scale: ± 1:25,000 )LQDO Proposal

Proposed town ward boundary

7 Current parish boundary

6 Land which is currently within a separate parish (either Finedon or Great 9 Harrowden), but which could be brought into 3 the proposed town council area. 5

4 1 Brickhill 1 2 Croyland 8 3 Hatton 4 Isebrook 5 Queensway 6 Redwell 7 Rixon 8 Swanspool 2 9 Victoria

This map is accurate to the scale specified above when reproduced at: A3

Wellingborough Community Governance Review 2018

Consultation Response Report

What was the consultation about?

Due to widely anticipated changes to local governance in Northamptonshire, Borough Council of Wellingborough would cease to exist as of May 2020. The town of Wellingborough would then be one of the only places within the new local authority (as currently proposed) not covered by a town or parish council.

Towns and bigger villages in the local vicinity, including Rushden, Higham Ferrers, Irthlingborough, Earls Barton, Wollaston and Irchester all currently have representation at this level of local government.

This consultation sought the residents’ views about whether Wellingborough should have a local town council and what this would look like if it was in place. This process forms part of a Community Governance Review (CGR).

The council held a public submission period for residents to express any views or ideas to help form draft proposals. Council subsequently agreed draft proposals at the council meeting on 17 July 2018. The council were keen to hear local residents’ views including suggestions for alternative arrangements that meet the criteria set our within guidance from the government.

How long did the consultation run?

The initial submissions were invited for seven weeks between 17 May 2018 and 5 July 2018.

The consultation on the draft proposals ran for three months between 23 July 2018 and 23 October 2018.

What consultation methods were used?

The consultation was available both electronically and in paper from the council offices, local libraries, doctor’s surgeries, and religious and community centres throughout Wellingborough, Finedon and Great Harrowden.

The consultation was promoted across social media and via press releases. All properties within Wellingborough were also sent a leaflet informing residents that they could have their say on the proposals. These leaflets were included with the electoral registration annual canvass forms sent to 22,290 properties.

How many responses were received overall?

1 166 responses were received. Of these 166, 90.36% (150) were residents of the town, 8.43% (14) were residents outside the town and 1.2% (2) was from local organisations or businesses.

The number of respondents represents 0.4% of the current electorate of the town (38,585).

Where will the results be published?

Results from the consultation are anonymous and will be made available on the council’s website.

How will the results be used?

The results of the consultation will be used to form final recommendations which will be put before Council on 28 November 2018. The responses from the consultation will also be included as part of this report to assist member’s decision making for developing proposals for the future governance of the town of Wellingborough.

Analysis

Questions were considered individually unless there was a specific link to the previous comment. The main method of analysis was to look at the percentage of respondents expressing their views on each question. For several questions, the percentages of each specified response have been collated.

For each question that allowed for an open text response, the responses have been studied and coded under certain headings depending on the specific issues raised. These coded headings are then reported based on the number of times those individual issues were raised within the consultation. Note that some figures may not sum precisely due to rounding.

In the interest of full disclosure, all comments have been provided in the appendix to this report.

Where do respondents live?

Anybody who responded was asked for their postcode to enable us to map the responses to provide a quick visual guide for the areas of response. That map is attached below, demonstrating that responses were received across all areas of the town, with Redwell being the best represented area.

2 Scale: ± 1:25,000 Consultation Response Map

Proposed town ward boundary

7 Current parish boundary

6 Land which is currently within a separate parish (either Finedon or Great 9 Harrowden), but which could be brought into 3 the proposed town councilarea 1 Brickhill 5 2 Croyland 4 3 Hatton 1 4 Isebrook 5 Queensway 8 6 Redwell 7 Rixon 8 Swanspool 9 Victoria

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This map is accurate to the scale specified above when reproduced at: A3

Community identity is a fundamental aspect of a Community Governance Review. It is important that any governance arrangements fairly reflect what the residents feel is their community.

Responses to question four – “If you live in Wellingborough, what would you describe as your local community?” – were reasonably varied. 47.59% (79) specified Wellingborough town as a whole as their community, with 24.1% (40) describing the wider borough – i.e. the town of Wellingborough and at least one surround village – as their local community.

13.86% of those responding claimed specific parts of Wellingborough town as their local community. These are summarised below:

Area # % Croyland 1 4.4 Hatton 3 13 Knox Road 1 4.4 Gleneagles 3 13 Redwell 3 13 Queensway 2 8.7 South West Wellingborough 1 4.4 Millers Park 1 4.4 Brickhill 1 4.4 Other 7 30.4

Those who selected “other” are classified as non-specific comments, including “A few streets” and “Waendel Leisure Centre plus one street”.

The proposed town council area

Respondents were given a statement and asked whether they agreed or disagreed with it. The statement was “Wellingborough should have a town council”.

Strongly Neither Strongly Agree Disagree agree agree/disagree disagree # 89 44 12 12 9 % 53.61 26.51 7.23 7.23 9

All 166 respondents answered this question, and as the table above shows, 133 (80.12%) of respondents agreed or strongly agreed. 21 (16.23%) disagreed or strongly disagreed with this statement, giving a net agreement figure of +63.89%.

12 respondents neither agreed nor disagreed with the statement.

4 Further analysis shows that, of the respondents who declared that they live in the town of Wellingborough (150), 121 (80.66%) were in agreement with 18 (12%) disagreeing with the statement, giving a slightly higher net agreement figure of +68.66%.

Responses to the survey from local businesses and organisations were more limited, with only 2 responses received. Of these 50% agreed with the statement and 50% expressed no preference.

Respondents were also asked if they felt that a single town council for the town of Wellingborough would represent the community well.

Strongly Neither Strongly Agree Disagree agree agree/disagree disagree # 48 64 23 13 7 % 30.97 41.29 14.84 8.39 4.52

155 respondents answered this question, with (72.26%) in agreement with the statement. The 20 (12.91%) of respondents who did not agree that a single town council would represent the community well were asked to give reasons for their disagreement which are summarised below.

Reason Number of respondents Not value for money 4 Number of councillors 2 Lack of power(s) 1 Prefer single tier/opposed to additional layer 6 of governance Other 14

Some respondents who had expressed no preference had also used this space for more general comments around the CGR and the proposal as opposed to the specific question which have been grouped under “Other” in this instance – which is why the comments do not tally with the specified numbers above. Full responses are provided as an appendix at the end of this report.

Respondents were then asked if they felt that any areas within the town of Wellingborough should be excluded from the proposed town council. 155 respondents answered this question, with 145 (93.55%) of these stating that no areas within the town should be excluded.

5 The 10 (6.45%) of respondents who believed that parts of Wellingborough should be excluded were then subsequently asked to specify the areas and to give their reasoning. As with other free-text responses, some of these respondents had used this space for more general comments around the CGR and the proposal as opposed to the specific question which have been grouped under “Other” in this instance.

Area Number of respondents Other 3 Millers Park 1 Glenvale Park 2 Stanton Cross 1 All (no town council) 3

Other alternatives

Respondents were then asked to consider the proposals that had been agreed by members in a general sense rather than the specific nature of the draft proposals. Question ten stated:

Councillors have proposed a single town council for the town of Wellingborough as they feel it is the best option. If you think that there could be other options which would better serve the community that should be considered, please use the area below to provide these options and explain how they would better serve the community.

32 respondents answered this question and their answers are summarised below. Responses to this question covered a wide range of issues, and it was mostly used as an opportunity for respondents to voice their concerns rather than to specifically propose alternatives.

Reason Number of respondents Too many councillors 4 Approve the proposals 3 Should only be the unitary authority 4 Concerns over costs 2 Other 11

It is clear from the table above that no specific option was agreed upon by a significant number of respondents. There was a small amount of support for the proposals within the response to this question.

6 How a new town council could work

The consultation outlined the electoral arrangements as proposed in the draft proposals agreed at Council on 17 July 2018.

Respondents were asked whether the proposed wards and number of councillors were appropriate to ensure effective local governance for the town of Wellingborough.147 people responded to these questions with the below results:

Wards Strongly Neither Strongly Agree Disagree agree agree/disagree disagree # 32 74 22 9 10 % 21.77 50.34 14.97 6.12 6.80

Councillors Strongly Neither Strongly Agree Disagree agree agree/disagree disagree # 25 63 27 18 14 % 17.01 42.86 18.37 12.24 9.52

The tables above demonstrate that whilst the proposed wards are generally in line with the statistical response to previous questions, the number of proposed councillors has the lowest approval rate – just under 60% - of any question thus far with net agreement at +38.11%

Respondents were then invited to give their reasons if they disagreed with their electoral arrangements. These are summarised below – 45 respondents provided their views; 10 of these provided “N/A” or “no comment” so have not been included below.

Reason Number of respondents Not enough councillors 4 Too many councillors 15 Integrate other parishes 1 Exclude SUEs/other areas 3 Not enough wards 3 No town council 4 Other 5

Whilst those who had some disagreements with the electoral arrangements had some variation, 15 (42.86%) felt that the proposed 23 councillors were too many. Those who opposed the proposal to include the SUEs used this space to continue to reiterate this point.

7 This was also reflected in the responses to the follow up statement “if a town council is formed, it is important that the boundaries of the town council include areas in or close to the town already marked for future development.”

Strongly Neither Strongly Agree Disagree agree agree/disagree disagree # 63 66 13 4 1 % 42.86 44.90 8.84 2.72 0.68

This question also had the strongest positive response, with 129 (87.76%) of respondents agreeing that areas marked for development should be included in boundaries for a town council.

Parish style

Whilst it would be a matter for the new town council to decide, respondents were asked their view on the “style” of the council – i.e. the name of the new council. All of the proposed names below, as allowed in statute, would be preceded by the word “Wellingborough”:

Parish Area Town Community Neighbourhood Town Council Council Council Council Council # 105 6 9 12 3 % 77.78 4.44 6.67 8.89 2.22

Respondents were overwhelmingly in favour of “Wellingborough Town Council” as the proposed council style, with a small amount of support for the other permitted styles.

Other comments

Respondents were asked for any further comments they had about the Community Governance Review, the draft proposals or the town council. Comments are included in full at the appendix of this report but are summarised below.

Comment Number of respondents Concerns over intentions of town council/CGR 8 N/A 8 Other 6 Hold off any decision until post-unitary status 2 Keep BCW 2 Keep SUEs in current parishes 1 Wellingborough needs a town council 1 Wellingborough doesn’t need a town council 1

8 The final question dealt with equalities and, after explaining protected characteristics, respondents were asked:

“Are there any positive or negative impacts on people with protected characteristics that you believe that the council should take into account with regard to this CGR? If so, please could you describe them below, and suggest any ways in which the council could reduce or remove any potential negative impact and/or increase or improve any positive impact.”

Only 27 respondents answered this question. The feedback received here was generally positive with regard to the council’s approach to equalities with a desire from residents that this would be continued by any other authority.

9 Community Governance Review 2018 - full responses

Q1 Are you responding as (select one):

Answered: 166 Skipped: 0

A resident of Wellingborou...

A local organisation

A local business

A resident outside of...

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

A resident of Wellingborough town 90.36% 150

A local organisation 0.60% 1

A local business 0.60% 1

A resident outside of Wellingborough town 8.43% 14 TOTAL 166

10 Q3 How do you feel about the following statement?"Wellingborough should have a town council".

Answered: 166 Skipped: 0

Strongly agree

Agree

Neither agree nor disagree

Disagree

Strongly disagree

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

Strongly agree 53.61% 89

Agree 26.51% 44

Neither agree nor disagree 7.23% 12

Disagree 7.23% 12

Strongly disagree 5.42% 9 TOTAL 166

11 Q4 If you live in Wellingborough, what would you describe as your 'local community'?

Answered: 166 Skipped: 0

Northamptonshir e as a whole

Wellingborough borough (e.g...

Wellingborough town as a whole

A specific part or area...

N/A - I do not live in...

N/A - I do not feel part of...

Please specify which part o...

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

Northamptonshire as a whole 1.81% 3

Wellingborough borough (e.g. Wellingborough and at least one surrounding village) 24.10% 40

Wellingborough town as a whole 46.39% 77

A specific part or area of Wellingborough (please specify below) 0.60% 1

N/A - I do not live in Wellingborough 4.22% 7

N/A - I do not feel part of a local community 7.23% 12

Please specify which part or area of Wellingborough you would consider your local community here 15.66% 26 TOTAL 166

12 Q5 Do you feel that a town council for Wellingborough could enhance the sense of community or help to foster a local community in the town?

Answered: 155 Skipped: 11

Strongly agree

Agree

Neither agree nor disagree

Disagree

Strongly disagree

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

Strongly agree 34.19% 53

Agree 40.65% 63

Neither agree nor disagree 10.32% 16

Disagree 9.03% 14

Strongly disagree 5.81% 9 TOTAL 155

13 Q6 Do you feel that a single town council for Wellingborough would represent the community well?

Answered: 155 Skipped: 11

Strongly agree

Agree

Neither agree nor disagree

Disagree

Strongly disagree

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

Strongly agree 30.97% 48

Agree 41.29% 64

Neither agree nor disagree 14.84% 23

Disagree 8.39% 13

Strongly disagree 4.52% 7 TOTAL 155

14 Q6: Do you feel that a single town council for Wellingborough would represent the community well? Q7: If you answered disagree or strongly disagree to question 6, please use the area below to give your reasons why: i think if a new council has fewer powers it waste of money.i lived in a small town it council was a waste of money. There is no need for a town council certainly not with the number of councillors proposed. N/A I don't think any town council within a unitary authority would have any power or influence. It's just another level of political bureaucracy that is not needed. How many local levels do we need? Parish, Town, Unitary ‐ have a town council get rid of parish councils or visa‐versa. n/a Not the area of Finedon that is marked for take over from Finedon. Finedon Parish Council have resolved to object to Wellingborough taking part of Finedon from them. n/a N/A We cannot consider a town council in isolation of the unitary authority. This is barmy. Until finance and service agreements are in place, how can residents respond? I don't see the town council would have any real say in a unitary much like parish councils now. Without knowledge of the responsibilities,powers and cost of a new council impossible to agree as until the new unitary council starts what will a town council do? Without knowledge of the responsibility and powers of the town council impossible to decide. Could be an expensive talking shop without any purpose. . Having moved recently from a strong unitary authority area have seen the true benefits of one tier local government Overall decision will rest entirely with the unitary authority and whatever a town council does or says will be overridden to service the greater area. I would hope that the representatives, create opportunities and make decisions based on the bigger picture of Wellingborough as a whole and not on short‐term gain. 30 yrs ago I would have answered a resounding YES but since the growth in building seemingly in every space available and the rise in crime, bad behaviour and not forgetting the influx of immigrants many of whom have no interest in integrating the town now seems destined to become one big human dump. It will just be another tier of government which costs a fortune and does little. Functions are covered by Borough Council, Adding a Town Council is just another layer ‐ Another Mayor, Councillors, ‐ and a Town Hall(!?) Just an excuse to let councillors continue claiming expenses. I have selected neither agree/disagree as I appreciate representation is needed, however, I see this as 'breaking up' the existing community of the Borough of Wellingborough. Offering stronger representation to the residents of the new Town Council than will be available to surrounding village residents by the much smaller Parish Councils. Possibly creating more of the 'them and us' mentality that has recently emerged in the town. na has not been seen to serve locality well, a new authority cannot but be any worse than present incumbemnts does not seem to have done much in past to foster "community spirit" A new authority cannot be worse than present encuimbents

15 n/a I am uncertain as to whether another layer of council will be of direct benefit and it would seem to incur additional costs Local Councillors rarely take the views of their constituents into account. They are more interested in following the party line N/A This would serve no purpose to improve the town for the residents only increase the council tax. The number of councillors proposed is also excessive After bringing up traffic and planning issues recently with my local councillor they didn't do anything and didn't seem interested in doing anything, so don't feel represented I dont know whether they would I am surprised that these proposals do not clearly reference the current unitary authority consultation. This seems to me to be a way of maintaining 2‐tier local government, but I do not feel it is honest in saying that. If the other towns in the proposed unitary authority have similar systems, it makes some sense, but otherwise is just unnecessary duplication and causes an equally confusing picture of governance Politicians and political systems don't create a sense of community it depends on the costs involved in having local councillors. Although I broadly agree with the proposals I would urge the current council to nor assume that issues are ok. I would welcome the opportunity to see how this will fit into new unitary authorities! na

16 Q8 Do you feel that any areas within the town of Wellingborough should be excluded from the proposed town council?

Answered: 155 Skipped: 11

Yes

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

Yes 6.45% 10

No 93.55% 145 TOTAL 155

17 Q8: Do you feel that any areas within the town of Wellingborough should be excluded from the proposed town council? Q9: If you answered yes to question 8, please use the area below to specify which areas should be excluded and give your reasons why:

N/A n/a Finedon Parish Council have resolved that the area marked which is in Finedon should stay as part of Finedon Miller's Park this is a government run institution with the majority of inhabitants not wanting to be there and they have no interest in the town and their opinions could be non‐constructive and even malicious. n/a N/A Wellingborough. Until we see the unitary proposal The boundaries look basically the same as they are now but with some of them extended to incorporate the urban extension developments. The proposed annexation of part of the great Harrowden parish. Since it didn't work out well for Ukraine . . n/a I do not support such a blanket scheme which looks like a plan to protect councillors and no doubt Council Officers. You use the term 'the proposed town council' as if it is already a fact No town council. na n/a No comment N/A All should be excluded as they can be served by the Unitary if that proposal is agreed I answered No, your web page coder messed up forcing me to write here before going one. I think Great Harrowden Parish should be left alone or merged into a Harrowden Ward ‐ otherwise it is a bit f a small ash with no land associated. Des make me wonder how many members of the Council are members of the golf club though. All of them. We don't need more layers of government. Parish councils should be abolished completely. na

18 Q10: Councillors have proposed a single town council for the town of Wellingborough as they feel it is the best option. If you think that there could be other options which would better serve the community that should be considered, please use the area below to provide these options and explain how they would better serve the community:

A small number perhaps about 12 would be sufficient to run a town council. This is being proposed because the councillors are concerned for their status and not for the benefit of the town I approve the existing proposal I think that it should be kept as a borough council because the rural area of Wellingborough will be left out and less involved/not seen as part of the community, It should remain a Borough council. Therefore looking after the surrounding villages within Wellingborough and not just the town. Enhancement of parish councils within the unitary authority n/a As long as the Councillors listen to and act on residents’ needs and concerns it will work. If they continue to act as if they know best it will continue to go downhill. The council have a golden opportunity to change the old and stale ways of local government reduce the heavy burden of bureaucracy and streamline the whole system. It is not my responsibility to tell them how this should be done there has to be better minds than mine to achieve this and involving those in the community who are would be keen to be involved in change management and I do not mean the self interest pressure groups. Without the taking the area marked which is in Finedon from Finedon. Finedon Parish Council have resolved that they will object to Wellingborough taking over part of Finedon. As well as elected councillors, the Town Council should also include representatives of organizations operating within the town such as industry, social housing, market housing, retail group, police, social services, commerce generally. The representatives would be put forward by the relevant (recognized) organization and would sit on all committee meetings appropriate to their sphere of interest. the number of representatives from each organization would depend upon the significance of the individual committee. Their purpose would provide balance across the elected councillors (councillors have a tendency to promote their own agendas and the selfish views of the vocal element of their electorate to the detriment of the community at large) and promote aspects of social and commercial benefits to the town and its community. N/A Why do they ‘feel’. This is not about feelings or ideology, this is about best delivery of services and value for money. I don't see how this would benefit Wellingborough residents. It would confuse residents if the town council, for example managed parks and open space, much like the confusion now between what the local authority undertakes and what the county council undertakes. The proposal for a unitary was to reduce a level of politics not for the local authority to create a new level. It would seem also to me that the proposed 20+ town councillors would be the ones not relocated to the unitary. Seems very much like they are trying to sort their own positions out rather than being any benefit to the borough. Various voluntary organisations cover activities in the town so a town council could be an expensive pointless talking shop. Single town council Although in favour of a town council I feel that a Borough Council provides an avenue for residents within the villages of the borough a sense of belonging/association with the town as opposed to neighbouring towns e.g Earls Barton/Northampton and Isham/Kettering

19 One unitary authority ‐ no abdication of responsibility! no duplicated resource N/A An MP that truly represents Wellingborough and not the interests of their career. It would have been useful and a sign of a willingness to change for the good if the Councillors had made public a range of other opportunities, proposals or ideas rather than what seems like a protectionist approach. There seems little imagination in the proposal so asking individuals to come up with ideas is a check at best and at worse a lack of interest on behalf of councillors towards the rate payers of Wellingborough. I don't see how a single town council would serve the people of the town any better than the current Borough Council. I have not seen any explanation of this. I believe the Borough Council serves Wellingborough Town well ‐ If the area of the Borough covered by the Town Council were to be removed, would that imply fewer members on the Borough Council? If total Council membership remain the same, some working within the Council and others for the Borough, I would have no objection whatsoever. Adding another layer of governance is going to be expensive for the tax‐payer. What is the benefit? I believe that BCW has in the main served the whole of Wellingborough Borough well. When the new unitary authorities are in place I believe the new Town Council will continue the work of BCW. BUT what LOCAL representation will the villages have? From what I have seen of Parish Councils their authority/powers are very limited. As a villager I feel abandoned. na No comment More dedicated Councillors, but less Councillors overall No other options. Councillors should be non political and must live in the area they seek to represent, this would give a better community feel, knowledge of issues in their area and would be more accessible to those they represent. If a town council was to go ahead which I disagree with then there should be 8 or 9 councillors only. efforts should be put into supporting the Unitary and representing the town in that forum This option doesn't from my point of view it's difficult to see how many others would. Accept that a single unitary authority is the best, most efficient way of dealing with local issues and that in the modern world, more sub‐division is unnecessary. On layer of local government ‐ the current borough council, is more than enough. They just need to get things right and ensure appropriate delivery of services with no wasting of public money.

20 Q11 Do you feel that the proposed wards are appropriate to ensure effective local governance for the town of Wellingborough?

Answered: 147 Skipped: 19

Strongly agree

Agree

Neither agree nor disagree

Disagree

Strongly disagree

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

Strongly agree 21.77% 32

Agree 50.34% 74

Neither agree nor disagree 14.97% 22

Disagree 6.12% 9

Strongly disagree 6.80% 10 TOTAL 147

21 Q12 Do you feel that the number of proposed councillors across the proposed wards is appropriate to ensure effective local governance for the town of Wellingborough?

Answered: 147 Skipped: 19

Strongly agree

Agree

Neither agree nor disagree

Disagree

Strongly disagree

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

Strongly agree 17.01% 25

Agree 42.86% 63

Neither agree nor disagree 18.37% 27

Disagree 12.24% 18

Strongly disagree 9.52% 14 TOTAL 147

22 Q13: If you disagree with the proposed electoral arrangements - the proposed wards and number of councillors - please use the area below to specify your reasons:

The proposed Isebrook Ward has only one councillor. There should be at least two per parish ward 12 maximum There should be no need for any ward to have more than two councillors N/A The villages which make up Wellingborough should also ne included n/a Agree to extend the boundaries to include the Sues, but they should follow recognised boundaries on the ground. For the eastern extension for example the boundary should be Sidegate Lane. The number of councillors seems too high for the level of responsibility they are likely to have. This will also affect the cost of running the council. The wards are fine, but I think that the number of proposed councillors is overly ambitious for the remit of a parish/town council. Any concerns around multiple members should be assuaged by the considerably reduced workload of a town councillor. 23 members for 9 wards could appear to the electorate that members are simply attempting to maintain a greater opportunity for current elected members in light of the expected unitary changes in the county. Far to many Councillors indeed do we really need Councillors at all? The Finedon area that is marked for take over from Finedon should stay in Finedon. Finedon Parish Council have resolved to object to Wellingborough taking part of Finedon from them. The new constituency boundaries will mean that Finedon is being put with Kettering. Finedon Residents who you suggest to put with Wellingborough will not have a Wellingborough MP but a Finedon one. They are Finedon Residents and should remain as Finedon Residents, with a Finedon MP. That is how they will see themselves, not as Wellingborough residents. Miller's Park should be excluded as the residents are unresponsive to the interests of the town. Many of the existing/proposed ward boundaries do split existing communities with a resulting imbalance in social groups such that one social group heavily outweighs another. There are too many councillors. Each ward, irrespective of the population, should have two councillors elected by proportional representation. n/a N/A In this day and age, with greater technology and a growing commuter workforce, this is too many councillors to service a community. It’s based on outdated allocations that would have met the 1950s but not today. Such a claim should be intelligence led based on imperial data available from ONS etc surely a completed Stanton Cross will be big enough to be a separate ward 10 ‐ 12 councillors ‐ there is no reason each councillors can not have 3000 residents. See previous comment. See earlier. I have only contacted a councillor once with some comments regarding a neighbour's planning application ‐ I received no reply. My assumption, therefore, is that our councillors are too overworked to be able to respond to ordinary people and should have fewer households and people to represent. They should also have a bigger presence within the community for the ordinary people thoruhgout their therm of office so that we may feel valued and are not just a commodity that may secure a vote at election time. with the addition of Stanton Cross to Isebrook Ward surely there should be more than one councillor???

23 The proposed ward that extends to the limit of the existing properties of great Harrowden should actually only extend to the edge of the green space promised that will separate the Glendale development from the village of great Harrowden. The green space should be in the parish of great Harrowden and not wellingborough Public money is being used. Austerity measures have been used as an excuse to keep wages and monies for govt to a minimum. Some public sector workers have not seen pay rises anywhere near to the inflation rate since 2010. Don’t want to see another spending spree by councillors. The new development areas of Stanton Cross and later, Glenvale will have a sufficiently sizeable electorate to be considered as Parish wards in their own right. These areas should be given their own ward identities and start with either 0 or perhaps 1 councillor until their size is sufficient to warrant a larger representation. Do not see the need for a town council. reduce overheads and less indiviudals to water down decision making. Strong unitary councillors More councillors needed for better representation There are too many councillors given the limited powers of a town council. I believe that there need be no more than 9, one per ward. Residents in each ward need to have a single point of contact for the purpose of raising such issues as fall within the scope of the town council. This is a question that I am unable to answer without much more information to hand. A reduction in the number of such posts would make for a streamlined council. Too many tiers of government already. We need fewer not more. 23 ADDITIONAL councillors? represents a huge increase in local government expenditure. Nowhere have I seen a corresponding reduction or overlap in Borough Councillors. If existing Borough Councillors for these wards were to be 'transferred' to the new Town Borough ‐ the whole proposal makes sense ‐ but I have not seen any such comment or proposal. All I have seen is 'additional' No town council Reduce numbers no need for 23 councillors na Way do we need a extra layer that would add cost.....borough council do a pretty good job. The wards have been created, without further explanation, by grouping polling districts to reflect current Borough wards. As proposed, most wards have 3 councillors but one ward has only 1 councillor because of its low number of constituents, itself a consequence of that arbitrary grouping of polling districts. It is unsatisfactory to have only one councillor representing a ward, as the current councillor for the current Isebrook ward, who at kindest can be described as disinterested in the ward that that councillor represents, demonstrates. The grouping of polling districts should be reconsidered so that no ward has fewer than 2 councillors. Too many Councillors N/A There is no certainty about what the role of the town council is no to have 23 councillors is unrealistic and would be a financial burden to the residents To many as usual. Not required at all. Unnecessary governance. let the unitary authority cover it all. Too many poliicians I feel that the current proposals should be amended to ensure that the number of electors per councillor is more equal for each ward. It was a demand of the 19th Century Chartists that there should be equal constituencies for Parliament. In my opinion, a Wellingborough Town Council should have equal wards. On paper these wards look ok. Found the map difficult to analyse.

24 Q14 How do you feel about the following statement?"If a town council is formed, it is important that the boundaries of the town council include areas in or close to the town already marked for future development."

Answered: 147 Skipped: 19

Strongly agree

Agree

Neither agree nor disagree

Disagree

Strongly disagree

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

Strongly agree 42.86% 63

Agree 44.90% 66

Neither agree nor disagree 8.84% 13

Disagree 2.72% 4

Strongly disagree 0.68% 1 TOTAL 147

25 Q15 Councillors have proposed to recommend that the new council is called Wellingborough Town Council - although this would be a matter for the new council to decide. Do you have any view as to the proposed name of the new council?

Answered: 135 Skipped: 31

Wellingborough Town Council

Wellingborough Parish Council

Wellingborough Area Town...

Wellingborough Community...

Wellingborough Neighbourhoo...

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

Wellingborough Town Council 77.78% 105

Wellingborough Parish Council 4.44% 6

Wellingborough Area Town Council 6.67% 9

Wellingborough Community Council 8.89% 12

Wellingborough Neighbourhood Council 2.22% 3 TOTAL 135

26 Q16: Do you have any further comments not covered by the previous questions? this should be put before the people.and have a people vote There should be elections every year, not every four years. No I like the proposal and strongly agree we need a local community/town level of control after the creation on the new unitary authorities Will there still be a Borough Council? Borough council of Wellingborough would be a better name. n/a Whilst the formation of a town council is clearly a well‐intended project to maintain local representation for the residents of the town in light of unitary status for the county, current members must be cautious to ensure that it does not become a vanity project for more self‐ interested members to maintain their social status. Why not Wellingborough Council? The natural and long standing boundary between Finedon and Wellingborough is the river. This natural boundary also is used for the Kettering villages. Finedon Town Council have resolved to object to Wellingborough taking part of Finedon from them. Finedon residents should remain Finedon residents. The Town Council must represent the views of all under their jurisdiction. The social wellbeing of the community needs to be paid for and that can only be achieved by having a prosperous Town, therefore all aspects of our community (social and commercial) must be represented. The prosperity of the Town needs to come first in order to achieve the levels of social care everyone would like to enjoy. Hence it is imperative that all aspects of our community are appropriately represented on the Town Council ‐ not just councillors. n/a The proposed council should have the powers to make decisions relating to dropped kerbs and off‐ street parking, not Northants County Council No I’d urge that this exercise and decision is put on hold until the unitary is decided and not in isolation. This seems a knee jerk and protectionist reaction built upon the argument of better representation without any consideration to other factors: data driven society, roles and responsibilities of the unitary etc. Wider distribution/advertising of this document I'm not sure the current proposals are the best for Wellingborough, plus tax payers money as I assume the town council would be paid through council tax. I principle I have no problem with some sort of town council as long as it 1: does not add confusion to residence in relation to who does what. Certainly too many proposed councillors 9‐12 is enough and would save tax payers money. There is a opportunity to dissolve a layer of government and perhaps Wellingborough Town Council would function more as a parish council, and to be honest they are little use. The district council should wait until the new council is formed. It would be appreciated if the new town council could look into no taxis between 1PM and 2PM MONDAY TO FRIDAY in WELLINGBOROUGH MARKET PLACE. Between 9am‐1pm and 2pm‐5pm minimum 10 yellow taxis available. I am told the reason all the drivers are in the MOSQUE praying. If the taxis are licensed through the town council they should provide an all day service. Many residents are left waiting for a taxi between 1PM & 2PM in, at the moment, very hot weather. Surely this can't be right. It's a land grand and this survey seeks to justify this with the nature of the questions

27 What will be the cost to the public for such a change ‐ will the change cause any increases in the amounts already paid to BCW for services? No Questions loaded towards a town council. Should seriously consider one tier unitary authority with no divisions betwenn accountability Not at this stage N/A Will the proposals involve a parish precept? Will there be any additional financial burden on the taxpayers of Wellingborough? No It is a great pity that this has been forced on residents due to the inability of the County Council to handle their finances correctly. It is no fault of those that live in Northamptonshire but is something for which everyone will be paying for many years to come. Those that caused this mess needed to be more accountable instead of forcing us all to pay for their woeful inadequacy. I would also hope there is full transparency on the possible councillors and decision makers. I do strongly believe that there should be more independent local residents involved and less interference from self serving local politicians who have their own agenda to promote I would like an explanation of why the change is necessary. I'm also not clear if the current Borough Council is to be abolished. What are the advantages of the change? No I expect that this consultation is for show only and you will do exactly what you want to do. I assume these positions will be salaried. What happens to the existing Borough Council officers? My main concern is that this proposal is simply the expense of another layer of bureaucracy ‐ any decisions made will have to be referred up to the Borough for action ‐ so why have a separate Town Council? unless, the Councillors representing the new Wards covered by the Town Council are re‐ assigned from the Borough so that the total number of councillors remains the same, this is a tax burden that cannot be justified or sustained by the town. I strongly disagree with the intended unitary councils. I understand that no one, be they resident or a councilor has been given any choice about this decision. I also understand the necessity of putting representation in place for areas not covered by Parish Councils, but the difference between the proposed Town Council and Parish Councils is huge. Many people will not have that level of representation. I live in a surrounding village but I look upon Wellingborough as MY TOWN. I use the town and it's facilities, but I will not have any representation of how the town is governed, that is wrong. that covers inclusive areas ..now down to business ..xx It is vital that not only a town council is created but to be effective all assets and services as are legally possible should be transferred to it including parks, car parks, swimming pool and commercial properties. It is not at all clear from the available materials what services this town council would oversee. It is difficult to support a proposal that at present seems to be little more than a vehicle for current councillors to maintain their roles as councillors. no We need a new set of Councillors that are dedicated to serving their Constituents NO no No Hemmingwell should have large bins like the ones on Queendway estate near Sylvanis flats to cut down on the rubbish Please ensure these views are taken into account

28 It feels like this is simply an exercise in trying to maintain some sense of the status quo, given the proposed unitary authority changes. I would like to see local government simplified, not modified and made more complicated. It is essential to keep Wellingborough as a town and Hatton Park as an area of particular interest within the town Clearly as a white, middle aged male my views won't count A town council is essential for local representation once Northamptonshire is governed by unitary authorities, we could easily be marginalised otherwise. No

29 Q17: Are there any positive or negative impacts on people with protected characteristics that you believe that the council should take into account in the decision making process with regard to this CGR? IF so, please could you describe them below, and suggest any ways in which the council could reduce or remove any potential negative impact and/or increase or improve and positive impact.

What will be the voting rights of EU and other non‐British citizens in this new arrangement? If it is going to be seen as a "community", all people making up that community should be able to vote. People just need to grow up and be more accepting of differences. In the past I've known councilors who were prejiudiced. That's not on! I can think of no impacts by the proposal n/a Finedon Residents should remain Finedon Residents as they are part of Finedon and not Wellingborough if these people are part of a recognised/approved group/organization they could and should be represented on the Town Council in the manner previously outlined. especially old people retired people NO Leave this to the new Wellingborough Town Council BCW is already highly experienced in inclusive processes and procedures and I have confidence that due though and resulting positive actions will be carried out as required. Need to treat all residents in the borough equally, allowing for differences within the protected characteristics. There is a danger that those not under these characteristics could be left out. No I am always impressed by the inclusivity currently demonstrated in any town ventures and would expect this to continue All should be treated as equals and no one body should be given fights above another, positive discrimination is just as bad as negative discrimination. What about people who do not fall into those categories? Are they just the left‐overs? Unimportant? Theoretically, a Town Council should improve the lot of people with protected characteristics ‐ because by and large such people tend to live in towns, rather than rural areas (not exclusively ‐ but more generally) Please invest in our shopping centre. The town is dying. There is no quality, it's so run down. More investment needed in social housing. ns Cost and value for money....do we really need this? no No No comment Lack of clarity about what services are offered by what level of local government, confusion and splits in access to services caused by unnecessary levels of local governance. I am on the autism spectrum & have epilepsy, dyspraxia & mental health problems. I hope that Wellingborough will go on being somewhere I can go on living in reasonable safety, & without too much anxiety. If my quality of life can be improved, then I will be very happy.

30 Q18 Would you like to proceed to answer the equalities monitoring questions?

Answered: 146 Skipped: 20

Yes

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

Yes 67.81% 99

No 32.19% 47 TOTAL 146

31 Q19 Age

Answered: 99 Skipped: 67

19 or under

20 - 24

25 - 29

30 - 44

45 - 59

60 - 64

65 - 74

75 - 84

85 - 89

90+

Prefer not to say

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

19 or under 2.02% 2

20 - 24 3.03% 3

25 - 29 1.01% 1

30 - 44 11.11% 11

45 - 59 27.27% 27

60 - 64 13.13% 13

65 - 74 32.32% 32

75 - 84 9.09% 9

85 - 89 0.00% 0

90+ 1.01% 1

32 Prefer not to say 0.00% 0 TOTAL 99

33 Q20 Disability - Are your day to day activities limited due to a disability which has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months?

Answered: 99 Skipped: 67

Yes, limited a lot

Yes, limited a little

Prefer not to say

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

Yes, limited a lot 5.05% 5

Yes, limited a little 15.15% 15

No 78.79% 78

Prefer not to say 1.01% 1 TOTAL 99

34 Q21 Ethnicity - How would you define your cultural background?

Answered: 99 Skipped: 67

White

British

Irish

Gypsy or Irish...

Any other White...

Black or Black British

Caribbean

African

Any other Black...

Mixed

White and Black...

White and Asian

Any other...

Asian or Asian British

Indian

Pakistani

Bangladeshi

Chinese

35 Any other Asian...

Other ethnic groups

Arabic

Any other ethnic...

Prefer not to say

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

White 7.07% 7

British 85.86% 85

Irish 1.01% 1

Gypsy or Irish Traveller 0.00% 0

Any other White background (please specify) 2.02% 2

Black or Black British 0.00% 0

Caribbean 2.02% 2

African 0.00% 0

Any other Black Caribbean/African background (please specify) 0.00% 0

Mixed 0.00% 0

White and Black Caribbean 0.00% 0

White and Black African 0.00% 0

White and Asian 0.00% 0

Any other mixed/multiple ethnic background (please specify) 1.01% 1

Asian or Asian British 0.00% 0

Indian 1.01% 1

Pakistani 0.00% 0

Bangladeshi 0.00% 0

Chinese 0.00% 0

Any other Asian background (please specify) 0.00% 0

Other ethnic groups 0.00% 0

Arabic 0.00% 0

Any other ethnic group (please specify) 0.00% 0

36 Prefer not to say 0.00% 0 TOTAL 99

37 Q22 Religion/belief - How would you define your religion or belief?

Answered: 99 Skipped: 67

Buddhist

Christian

Hindu

Jewish

Muslim

Sikh

None

Prefer not to say

Other (please specify)

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

Buddhist 1.01% 1

Christian 47.47% 47

Hindu 2.02% 2

Jewish 0.00% 0

Muslim 0.00% 0

Sikh 0.00% 0

None 45.45% 45

Prefer not to say 2.02% 2

Other (please specify) 2.02% 2 TOTAL 99

38 Q23 Gender: How would you define your gender?

Answered: 99 Skipped: 67

Male

Female

Prefer not to say

Other (please specify)

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

Male 58.59% 58

Female 40.40% 40

Prefer not to say 0.00% 0

Other (please specify) 1.01% 1 TOTAL 99

39 Q24 Gender: Is your gender identity the same gender you were assigned at birth?

Answered: 98 Skipped: 68

Yes

Prefer not to say

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

Yes 98.98% 97

No 1.02% 1

Prefer not to say 0.00% 0 TOTAL 98

40 Q25 Marital status - are you:

Answered: 99 Skipped: 67

Single

Married

In a civil partnership

Co-habiting

Separated

Divorced

Prefer not to say

Other (please specify)

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

Single 15.15% 15

Married 67.68% 67

In a civil partnership 2.02% 2

Co-habiting 3.03% 3

Separated 1.01% 1

Divorced 6.06% 6

Prefer not to say 0.00% 0

Other (please specify) 5.05% 5 TOTAL 99

41 Q26 Sexual orientation: How would you define your sexual orientation?

Answered: 98 Skipped: 68

Heterosexual

Homosexual

Bisexual

Asexual

Prefer not to say

Other (please specify)

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

Heterosexual 91.84% 90

Homosexual 3.06% 3

Bisexual 2.04% 2

Asexual 0.00% 0

Prefer not to say 1.02% 1

Other (please specify) 2.04% 2 TOTAL 98

42 List of consultees/areas where consultations have been displayed

Abbey Medical Practice Albany House Medical Centre All Saints Church, Great Harrowden Castlefields Surgery Central and East Northamptonshire Citizens Advice Finedon Library Glamis Hall Hemmingwell Community & Skills Centre Hindu Community Centre Northamptonshire Rights & Equalities Council Queensway Medical Centre Redwell Medical Centre Shire Community Services Limited Summerlee Medical Centre, Finedon Teamwork Trust Victoria Centre Wellingborough African Caribbean Centre Wellingborough Library

Community Governance Review 2018

Terms of Reference

May 2018

Swanspool House, Doddington Road, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, NN8 1BP Tel: 01933 229777 DX 12865 www.wellingborough.gov.uk 1

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction 1.1 Background information 1.2 What is a community governance review? 1.3 Why is the council undertaking the review? 1.4 Legislation and guidance 1.5 Who undertakes the review?

2.0 Consultation 2.1 What does the consultation involve? 2.2 How to take part in the consultation 2.3 Timetable for the review 2.4. Consultees

3.0 Parish areas and structure of parishes 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Parish areas 3.3 Previously unparished areas 3.4 Parish boundaries 3.5 Viability of parishes 3.6 Grouping of parishes 3.7 Naming of parishes 3.8 Alternative styles for parishes

4.0 Electoral arrangements 4.1 What does ‘electoral arrangements’ mean? 4.2 Ordinary year of election 4.3 Forming a parish council 4.4 Number of parish councillors 4.5 Parish warding 4.6 The number and boundaries of parish wards 4.7 The number of councillors to be elected for parish wards 4.8 Naming of parish wards

5.0 Current parish governance in Wellingborough and electoral forecasts 5.1 Parish governance data and maps 5.2 Demographic trends

6.0 Completion of review 6.1 Publication 6.2 Reorganisation of Community Governance Order 6.3 Electoral arrangements for new or existing parish councils 6.4 Consequential matters 6.5 District/borough/ward boundaries

Appendices Appendix A: Structure of parish governance in Wellingborough Appendix B: Extract from Housing Land Supply September 2017

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Borough Council of Wellingborough has taken the decision to undertake a Community Governance Review of the unparished areas within the borough, under the provisions of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (S.81). This requires BCW to publish a ‘terms of reference’ document which sets out:

 how the review will be conducted;  expected timescales;  what the review will focus on;  what the key considerations should be:  factual electoral and parish information; and  a consultation strategy.

This information is included in the following sections of this ‘terms of reference’ document.

1.2 What is a community governance review?

A community governance review considers the following topics for the area under review:

 Parish areas (creating, merging, altering or abolishing parishes),  Naming of parishes, and the style of new parishes,  Grouping parishes under a common parish council,  Electoral arrangements for parishes (creating a council, council size, number of councillors and parish warding),  Consequential matters (i.e.. the effect on existing parishes, dealing with parish assets, resolving issues relating to employees of existing parishes, setting a precept for a new parish council, setting a date for the first elections and the subsequent electoral cycles.)

1.3 Why is the council undertaking the review?

The council has taken the decision to undertake a review of unparished areas in 2018 due to widely expected changes to local government in Northamptonshire. The review will focus on the current unparished area of the borough and some of the boundaries with the surrounding parishes.

The council believes that parish councils play an important role in local democracy, both in terms of community empowerment and engagement, and the delivery of local services. This review aims to ensure that each community in the borough is effectively represented so that governance within the borough continues to be robust and capable of meeting future challenges.

Ultimately the recommendations made in a community governance review should bring about improved community engagement, more cohesive communities, improved local democracy, and should result in more effective and convenient delivery of local services.

1.4 Legislation and guidance

In undertaking this review the council will be guided by the following legislation and government guidance:  Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (part 4),

 Local Government Act 1972,  Guidance on community governance reviews issued by the Department for Communities and Local Government,  Consequential matters arising from the review may be impacted by the Local Government (Parishes and Parish Council) (England) Regulations 2008 and Local Government Finance (New Parishes) Regulations 2008.

1.5 Who undertakes the review?

This review is being carried out by the council’s Electoral Services team led by Bridget Gamble, Director. Karen Denton, Assistant Director, will act as review manager.

Following consultation, any recommendations to change existing arrangements will be considered by Council at meetings throughout the process, identified in the timetable toward the end of this document. Final recommendations will also be agreed by Council, who will then create a re-organisation order (if required).

2.0 CONSULTATION

2.1 What does the consultation involve?

The council will consult local government electors for the area under review, and any other person who appears to have an interest. In coming to recommendations, the council must take account of the views of local people, judging them against the criteria laid out in the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007. In order to fulfil legislative requirements, the council will also notify the county council that a review is to be undertaken, enclosing a copy of this ‘terms of reference’.

2.2 How to take part in the consultation

Full details of the consultation will be publicised on the council’s website and social media pages, in the local media, at libraries within the borough, on parish notice boards, in doctor’s surgeries, major supermarkets and via community groups. Representation will be accepted in any written, typed or similarly recorded format and should be addressed to:

Electoral Services – Community Governance Review Borough Council of Wellingborough Swanspool House Doddington Road WELLINGBOROUGH Northamptonshire NN8 1BP

or may be emailed to [email protected].

All communications must contain the name and residential address of the person submitting their views.

2.3 Timetable for the review

The review must be completed within twelve months, beginning with the date of publication of the terms of reference – the timetable is detailed below:

Action Timetable Date Terms of Reference Approval by Council: 16 May 16 May 2018 published 2018 Submissions invited Seven week consultation 17 May 2018 to 5 July 2018 Draft proposals Submitted to Council 17 July 2018 Published 18 July 2018 Consultation on draft Three month consultation 23 July 2018 to 23 proposals October 2018 Final proposals Submitted to Council 27 November 2018 Recommendations 27 November 2018 published Re-Organisation Order Approval by Council: 22 January 22 January 2019 made by Council (if 2019 required)

It should be noted that this is an estimated timeframe and whilst we will endeavour to keep to the dates, any changes will be published on the council’s website.

2.4. Consultees for this review

A range of organisations operate within the area of the review and may be interested in submitting their views. Existing parish councils will have a clear interest, along with many community groups and special interest groups. Elected members, including borough and county councillors and Members of Parliament, will also be consulted as part of the review.

3.0 PARISH AREAS AND STRUCTURE OF PARISHES

3.1 This section covers the creation of new parishes and amending existing boundaries – very rarely will the abolition of parishes be considered. The aim is to ensure that community governance in the borough will:

 reflect the identities and interests of the community in each area and  be effective and convenient, and  take into account any other arrangements for community representation or engagement in that area.

3.2 Parish areas

It is important that electors are able to clearly identify with the parish in which they live, and that parishes reflect distinctive areas of interest, with their own sense of identity and the feeling of local community. It is, however, also important to balance the recognisable communities of interest and additional development that have led to a change in community identity, with historic traditions in that area. In developing parishes with strong community identities, the aim is to encourage greater participation in elections and to create a common interest in parish affairs, leading to a more representative and accountable form of governance.

3.3 Previously unparished areas

The council will be mindful of other forms of community governance in consideration of whether parish governance is most appropriate in certain areas. However, the council also notes that the distinction between parish councils and other forms of governance is that they are democratically elected tiers of local government, with directly elected representatives, and are democratically accountable for the specific powers they possess.

When considering representations for new parishes, the council will consider community groups (or similar) which are already in existence and representing the area. These existing groups will be viewed as local forums for community representation and could be foundations for the creation of parishes with democratically elected councils.

3.4 Current warding patterns for unparished areas

Borough Council of Wellingborough is currently divided into sixteen wards; ten wards which cover the unparished area of the borough, and six wards already covering the parishes of Bozeat, Earls Barton, Easton Maudit, Ecton, Finedon, Great Doddington, Great Harrowden, Grendon, Hardwick, Irchester and Little Irchester, Isham, Little Harrowden, Mears Ashby, Orlingbury, Strixton, Sywell, Wilby and Wollaston.

The borough wards of Irchester and Great Doddington are the only two wards which straddle both an existing parish and a currently unparished area.

The unparished area in the borough is currently served by twenty-six borough councillors. When undertaking the review, Borough Council of Wellingborough will take into account any demographic trends and new urban developments that may alter the population significantly in the five years following the conclusion of the Review.

3.5 Parish boundaries

The council considers that the boundaries between parishes should be easily identifiable physical markers. These may include boundaries such as streams, parks, canals, railways, roads, or other barriers that have little in common with the parish to which they may have been allotted.

3.6 Viability of parishes

The council encourages parishes in their aim to better represent the community’s interests and deliver better services. It is important, however, that parishes are viable and possess a precept which enables them to actively and effectively promote the well-being of residents, as well as contributing to the real provision of services in an economic and efficient manner.

In some rural areas parishes may have limited resources capacity to deliver effective local government but even so, arrangements in these parishes, when they accord with the wishes of the inhabitants of the parish, will at least represent convenient local government. The council will ensure that the review leads to parishes that are based on community identity and interest that effectively promote the well-being of residents and which are viable as an administrative unit.

3.7 Grouping of parishes

The Local Government Act 1972 states that parishes with less than 150 electors may not establish their own parish council. A grouping order is, however, permitted under Section 11 of the Act allowing consideration of an alliance of grouped parishes coming together under one parish council, with electors of the grouped parishes electing a designated number of councillors to the council. This has been found to be an effective way of ensuring parish government for small parishes that may otherwise be unviable, and may also be worth considering in order to avoid substantive changes to boundaries.

The council does, however, acknowledge the need for ‘compatible grouping’ and will take into account government guidance that “it would be inappropriate for it to be used to build artificially large units under single parish councils”.

3.8 Naming of parishes

The council will aim to reflect existing local or historic place-names, and will give significant consideration to names suggested by local interested parties. Composite (or combined) names of parishes, however, rarely contribute to effective local government and the council wishes to avoid this, other than in exceptional circumstances where the demands of history or the preservation of local ties makes a pressing case for the retention of distinctive names.

3.9 Alternative styles for parishes

The 2007 Act introduced “alternative styles” for parishes where the decision is made to form a group – if adopted the alternative style would replace the style “parish” or “town”.

Only one of three prescribed styles can be added: “community”, “neighbourhood” or “village”. The implications of a change of style can be illustrated in the following examples: “The Community of Redbrick”, “The Village Councillors for Bluebrick”, “Whitebrick Neighbourhood Council”. It should be noted that for as long as the alternative style is in use, the parish will not be able to have the status of a town.

Where a new parish is being created, the council will make recommendations as to the geographical name of the parish and its style. It is for the parish council or meeting to resolve whether the parish should elect to have one of the alternative styles.

4.0 ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS

4.1 What does ‘electoral arrangements’ mean?

An important part of our review will comprise giving consideration to ‘electoral arrangements’ – the way in which a council is constituted for a parish and covers:

 the ordinary year in which elections are held,  the forming of a parish council,  the number of councillors to be elected to the council,  the division of the parish into wards for the purposes of electing councillors,  the number and boundaries of any such wards,  the number of councillors to be elected to any such ward,  the name of any such ward.

These terms are explained in more detail in sections 4.2 to 4.8.

4.2 Ordinary year of election

The Local Government Act 1972 states that ordinary election of parish councillors should take place in 1976, 1979 and every fourth year thereafter. The government has indicated, however, that it would want the parish electoral cycle to coincide with the cycle for the borough so that costs can be shared. The terms of office for any newly elected parish councillors could therefore be reduced if the council finds that it will be appropriate to hold a parish election at an earlier date to bring the cycles in line with future local government elections. These terms of office will revert to the normal cycle thereafter.

4.3 Forming a parish council

There are strict rules governing when a parish council may be formed – legislation states:

 where the number of electors is 1,000 or more, a parish council must be created,  where the number of electors is 151-999, a parish council may be created with the parish council being the alternative form of governance,  where the number of electors is 150 or fewer, a parish council is not created.

At this point it may be appropriate to consider whether other forms of community governance are in place, which might make a parish council unnecessary in this area.

4.4 Number of parish councillors

Under legislation, the following factors must be considered when deciding number of councillors to be elected:

 the number of local government electors for the parish,  any change in that number which is likely to occur in the period of five years beginning with the day the review starts,  the number of councillors should not be less than 5.

The council will follow government guidance which states that “each person’s vote should be of equal weight so far as possible, having regard to other legitimate competing factors, when it comes to the election of councillors”.

4.5 Parish warding

Each parish may be divided into wards – under legislation, the council must consider:

 whether the number or distribution of local government electors would make a single election impracticable or inconvenient, and;  whether it is desirable that any areas of the parish should be separately represented on the council.

The council acknowledges government guidance that “warding of parishes in largely rural areas based on a single, centrally-located village may not be justified. Warding may be appropriate where the parish encompasses a number of villages with separate identities, or where there has been some urban over-spill into the parish”.

Warding arrangements should be easily understood by, and have relevance to, the electorate in a parish. They should reflect clear physical and social differences: one parish comprising different parts. Each case will be considered on its own merits and must meet the two tests laid out in the Act (detailed above).

4.6 The number and boundaries of parish wards

In reaching conclusions on boundaries between parish wards, the council will take into account community identity and consider whether any ties or linkages may be broken by the drawing of particular boundaries. Proposals intended to reflect community linkages and identity musty be soundly justified with demonstrable evidence of those identities and linkages.

Ward boundaries should be easily identifiable physical markers, such as streams, parks, canals, railways, roads, or other similar barriers that have little in common with the parish ward to which they may have been allotted, and should be clearly understood.

Another consideration for the council when undertaking a review is that ideally the district/borough/county electoral divisions should not split an un-warded parish and no parish should be split by a boundary. This is merely a recommendation, but will still be taken into account when carrying out this review.

4.7 The number of councillors to be elected for parish wards

Under legislation, the following factors must be considered when deciding number of councillors to be elected:  the number of local government electors for the parish;  any change in the number or distribution of local government electors which is likely to occur in the period beginning five years after the review start date,  the number of councillors should not be less than 5.

The council will follow government guidance which states that “each person’s vote should be of equal weight so far as possible, having regard to other legitimated competing factors, when it comes to the election of councillors”.

The council is conscious of the risk that, where one or more wards of a parish are over- represented by councillors, the residents of those parishes could be perceived to have more influence over the parish council. During the review the council is committed to consistently showing the ratios of electors to councillors that would result from its proposals and promoting equality of votes.

4.8 Naming of parish wards

The council will aim to reflect existing local or historic place-names and will give significant consideration in favour of ward names proposed by local interested parties.

5.0 CURRENT PARISH GOVERNANCE IN WELLINGBOROUGH AND ELECTORATE FORECASTS

5.1 Present structure of parish governance in Wellingborough

The borough comprises 14 parish councils (one of which is warded) and 4 parish meetings – see Appendix B for details.

Maps of existing borough, ward and parish areas are included at Appendix C.

5.2 Demographic trends and influences in Wellingborough

Population statistics and related data will be taken into consideration as part of this review, together with proposed housing development projections over the next 10 to 15 years – see Appendix D.

The current electorate of the entire borough stands at 60,245 (data correct as at May 2018; source: Xpress system, last published register notice of alteration 1 May 2018).

The current electorate of parished areas of the borough stands at 22,070 (data correct as at May 2018; source: Xpress system, last published register notice of alteration 1 May 2018).

The current electorate of unparished areas of the borough stands at 38,175 (data correct as at May 2018; source: Xpress system, last published register notice of alteration 1 May 2018).

6.0 COMPLETION OF REVIEW

6.1 This review will be deemed completed when the outcome is published on the website, at the main council offices, at libraries within the borough and at other local contact points.

6.2 Reorganisation of Community Governance Order

If the outcome of the review requires that the council adopts a ‘Reorganisation of Community Governance Order’ the review will not be deemed complete until copies of the Order, maps that show the effects in detail, and the documents which set out the reasons for the decisions that the council has taken are available at the council’s offices, on the website, libraries and local contact points. The maps will be deposited with the Secretary of State at the Department of Communities and Local Government and at the council’s office at Swanspool House. An indication of when the provisions in the Order will take effect will be given – for financial and administrative purposes this will be on 01 April in the designated year.

6.3 Electoral arrangements for new or existing parish councils

The electoral arrangements for a new or existing parish council will come into force at the next elections to the parish council. However, where the ordinary elections are not for some time, the council may have resolved to modify or exclude the application of sections 16(3) and 90 of the Local Government Act 1972 to provide for the first election to be held in an earlier year with councillors serving a shorter term, to bring these elections in line with the borough elections and reduce costs.

6.4 Consequential matters

The Reorganisation Order may cover consequential matters that could include:

 the transfer and management of property,  the setting of precepts for new parishes,  provision with respect to the transfer of any functions, property, rights and liabilities,  provision for the transfer of staff, compensation for loss of office, pensions and other staffing matters.

In these matters the council will be guided by regulations that have been issued following the 2007 Act.

6.5 District/borough/ward boundaries

It may be necessary to recommend changes to boundaries to reflect the changes made at parish level. It will be for the Local Government Boundary Commission for England to decide if related alterations should be made, and the Commission may find it appropriate to conduct an electoral review of affected areas. The council will endeavour to include any such draft recommendations for alterations at the earliest opportunity for consultation that will arise after they become apparent.

Where any such matters affect Northamptonshire County Council, the council will also seek the views of the county council in accordance with the government’s guidance.

Date of publication of these terms of reference: May 2018

Appendix A

Structure of parish governance in Wellingborough

The borough comprises 14 parish councils (one of which is warded) and 4 parish meetings.

No. electors Parish No. Electorate Parish Wards per council / meeting seats (May 2018) councillor Bozeat Parish council 11 No 1676 152 Easton Maudit Parish meeting N/A No 80 N/A Earls Barton Parish council 13 No 4489 345 Ecton Parish council 9 No 411 46 Finedon Parish council 13 No 3629 279 Great Doddington Parish council 9 No 1057 117 Great Harrowden Parish meeting N/A No 77 N/A Grendon Parish council 9 No 459 51 Hardwick Parish meeting N/A No 71 N/A Isham Parish council 9 No 647 72 Irchester Parish council 12 Yes 3616 301 Little Irchester Ward (Irchester parish) 3 No 276 92 Little Harrowden Parish council 9 No 724 80 Mears Ashby Parish council 7 No 373 55 Orlingbury Parish council 7 No 385 55 Strixton Parish meeting N/A No 31 N/A Sywell Parish council 7 No 808 115 Wilby Parish council 7 No 542 77 Wollaston Parish council 13 No 2719 209

Parish No. of No. of candidates at Contested Co-opted seats May 2015 elections election Bozeat 11 10  Earls Barton 13 17  Ecton 9 6  Finedon 13 12  Great Doddington 9 9  Grendon 9 6  Isham 9 8  Irchester 12 14  Little Irchester 3 1  Little Harrowden 9 6  Mears Ashby 7 4  Orlingbury 7 3  Sywell 7 7  Wilby 7 7  Wollaston 13 12 

Appendix B Extract from Housing Land Supply Sept 2017:

BOROUGH COUNCIL OF WELLINGBOROUGH: BREAKDOWN OF HOUSING LAND SUPPLY SOURCE OF HOUSING SUPPLY 2017‐18 2018‐19 2019‐20 2020‐21 2021‐22 2022‐23 2023‐24 TOTAL WELLINGBOROUGH (GROWTH TOWN) ‐ COMMITMENTS 179 160 193 154 158 120 120 1084 WELLINGBOROUGH EAST SUE ‐ ESTIMATED COMPLETIONS 0 55 175 250 250 254 270 1254 WELLINGBOROUGH NORTH SUE ‐ ESTIMATED COMPLETIONS 0 100 200 250 250 250 250 1300 WELLINGBOROUGH (GROWTH TOWN) ‐ EMERGING PART 2 LOCAL PLAN ALLOCATIONS 0 20 25 55 30 30 10 170 WELLINGBOROUGH (GROWTH TOWN) ‐ UNALLOCATED SITES WITH POTENTIAL 0 22 0 0 0 0 0 22 TOTALS 179 357 593 709 688 654 650 3830