Rochford District Council Community Governance Review Stage 2 Consultation

Rochford District Council is carrying out a Community Governance Review (CGR) and is inviting residents and local organisations to take part in Stage 2 of the consultation.

This review looks at how parish councils operate across the Rochford district, 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, Rochford District Council, Southend‑on‑Sea City Council and Castle Point Borough Council will merge to form the South East Essex unitary council from April 2028.

In light of these changes, Rochford District Council is reviewing parish council arrangements now, to ensure parish governance remains clear, effective and representative for local communities as the new arrangements come into effect.

What is a Community Governance Review?

A Community Governance Review looks at how local 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 local communities, and this review aims to make sure they continue to do so as local government arrangements change.

What has happened so far?

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

Residents and other stakeholders shared their views on local parish council arrangements across the district.

The responses received during Stage 1 have been carefully considered and have informed the next stage of the review.

What is Stage 2?

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

Details of the proposals and the questions we are asking are included within the survey itself.

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.rochford.gov.uk/cgr

Need help to take part?

If you need assistance:

• Request a paper survey at Rochford Library, Roche Close, Rochford, SS4 1PX
• Email cgr@rochford.gov.uk to ask for a survey to be sent to you by post