People are being asked to share their views on plans to create a dedicated council for Spalding.
South Holland District Council (SHDC) has put forward a proposal for a parish council, with leaders saying this would provide a ‘dedicated local voice’ for the town, writes Local Democracy Reporter Oliver Castle.
The district council will soon be scrapped under major changes – with the area set to become part of a larger body instead, opening up the need for the town to take responsibility for some of its own issues.
Spalding does not currently have its own council – unlike the majority of other towns across Lincolnshire – meaning that local decision making is primarily done by SHDC.
The authority is asking residents, businesses and community groups to take part in the second phase of its ‘community governance review’ consultation as it looks at the detail of a new body to take charge of some of the town’s affairs.
It says the new council would be made up of 19 councillors and six parish wards, aligned with existing district ward boundaries. They say this ‘reflects the national guidance’ for the town’s electorate of approximately 22,000 people.
Two councillors would be assigned to Castle ward, Monkshouse would have four councillors, St John’s ward would have three councillors, St Mary’s ward would also have three councillors, three councillors would represent
St Paul’s ward and four councillors would represent Wygate ward.
Chairman of the community governance review working group, Coun Dave Ashby said: “This consultation is an important opportunity for residents to help shape the future of local governance in Spalding.
“While the first stage showed support for creating a parish council, no final decisions have been made.
“We want to hear from as many people as possible before recommendations are considered by the council.
“A parish council would provide a dedicated local voice for Spalding, giving residents the opportunity to elect representatives focused specifically on the town and its communities.”
The community governance review was also mentioned at a Spalding Town Forum meeting on Tuesday, July 7.
If the plans go ahead, the first elections for the new parish council would take place in May 2027.
The consultation is now open and runs until Sunday August 16 – with a decision to follow at a later date.
More information can be found here.
