Brentwood Community Governance Review Stage 2 Consultation

Brentwood Borough Council is carrying out a Community Governance Review (CGR) Stage 2 consultation and is inviting residents, community groups and organisations to take part in Stage 2 of the consultation.

This review looks at how parish councils operate across the borough to make sure local governance remains effective, fair and representative.

Why is this review taking place?

In March 2026, it was announced that local government in Essex will be reorganised into five new unitary councils.

As part of this change, Brentwood Borough Council, Chelmsford City Council and Maldon District Council will merge to form a new Mid Essex unitary council from April 2028.

In light of these changes, Brentwood Borough Council is reviewing parish council arrangements now, to make sure local governance is clear, robust and well‑placed for the future.

What is a Community Governance Review?

A Community Governance Review looks at how parish councils are set up, to ensure they:

Represent their communities effectively
Support local democracy
Are able to meet future challenges

Parish councils play an important role in community life, and this review helps ensure they continue to do so as local government arrangements change.

What has happened so far?

Stage 1 of the Community Governance Review has already taken place.

Residents and other stakeholders shared their views on parish council arrangements across the borough, including whether new parish councils should be created in currently unparished areas and whether changes were needed to existing arrangements.

The feedback received during Stage 1 has been carefully considered and has informed the proposals now being consulted on.

What is Stage 2?

Stage 2 is your opportunity to comment on specific proposals developed following feedback from Stage 1.

Full details of the proposals, including maps, are provided within the consultation.

What could a new parish or town council mean for residents?

Parish and town councils can charge an additional amount through Council Tax to help fund its services, facilities and activities.

In Brentwood, the average charge for existing parish councils is currently around £83 per year for a Band D property (approximately £1.59 per week), although costs can vary depending on the size and services provided by a council.

Creating a new parish or town council may also involve additional setup costs, including staffing, office accommodation, IT and support services.

How to take part

The Stage 2 consultation runs from:
11 May 2026 to 5 July 2026

You can take part by:

Completing the online survey
Requesting a paper copy
Scanning the QR code on posters or council noticeboards

Please answer as many questions as you wish. You do not have to answer all of them. At the end of the survey is a section where you can add your own free-text comments.

To find out more, visit:
www.brentwood.gov.uk/cgr

Need help to take part?

If you need assistance:

Request a paper survey at Brentwood Town Hall, Council Offices, Ingrave Road, Brentwood, CM15 8AY
Email cgr@brentwood.gov.uk to ask for a survey to be sent to you by post