Community Governance Review

Overview

When Westmorland & Furness Council was created, the next scheduled election date for the authority were set by central government to be in May 2027. The dates for scheduled parish and town council elections were not changed. Most local councils in the area are already due to hold their next elections in May 2027. However, some are due to hold elections earlier or later than that.

We have received a number of requests to resolve this anomaly. As a result, we have launched a Community Governance Review (CGR), which is the legal route for us to review, consult and, if appropriate, make changes to election dates. Note that no other changes are being considered as part of this review – any changes to parish wards, parish boundaries and numbers of councillors will be considered after the current ongoing warding review of Westmorland & Furness Council.

The Draft Recommendations are that:

1. Parish and Town Councils with a scheduled election date in May 2026 : The Draft Recommendation is to defer the next scheduled election by one year. The elections in May 2026 will not take place. The current councillors will remain in post for one extra year, with their ‘retirement’ date postponed until May 2027. In May 2027, elections will be held with elections taking place four-yearly thereafter.
2. Parish and Town Councils with a scheduled election date in May 2027 : The Draft Recommendation is to make no change to the election dates for these councils.
3. Parish and Town Councils with a scheduled election date in May 2028 : The Draft Recommendation is to bring the next scheduled election forward by one year. The elections in May 2028 will not take place. The current councillors will remain in post for one less year, with their ‘retirement’ date changed to until May 2027. In May 2027, elections will be held with elections taking place four-yearly thereafter.

We want to hear from you to help us decide whether to change the dates of scheduled parish and town council elections. The reason for this proposal is that changing the election cycle to match that of Westmorland & Furness can save considerable money for parish councils, who will then all share their election dates, and makes the democratic process easier and more accessible for electors.

Please complete the short form below to let us know your views.