A Community Governance Review (CGR) is the process used to consider whether existing parish council arrangements should be changed in any way, or new arrangements should be introduced, with the purpose of ensuring that the arrangements reflect the identity and interests of the local community, whilst also ensuring the arrangements are as effective and convenient as possible.
CGR’s are conducted in accordance with the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 and can be initiated by the principal council, the parish/town council or by a petition from local electors.
The timeline for a Community Governance Review
A Terms of Reference must be published at the start of a CGR. This sets out the area under review, the purpose of the review, the issues that will be considered, the procedure and a timetable.
Consultation must take place with local people, and any other person or body that could reasonably be expected to have an interest in the review and consideration must be given to all representation received.
A legal order must be made to implement any changes to community governance.
The review must be completed within 12 months of the Council publishing the Terms of Reference.
More detailed information on CGR’s is available on the Government website - Community governance reviews: guidance - GOV.UK