Community Governance Review - Foxton Civil Parish

How many current Parish Council Seats are there and how big is the Electorate?

Number of seats on Foxton Parish Council: 10

Electorate of Foxton Parish: 1025

What is a Community Governance Review (CGR)?

A CGR allows a principal authority like South Cambridgeshire District Council to put in place or make changes to town and parish councils - for example by changing the number of councillors to be elected to the council.

What do town or parish councils do?

Town or parish councils are the first tier of local government and are separate elected bodies made up of local people representing the interests of their community. Their activities fall into three categories: delivering services, like parks, play areas and cemeteries, to meet local needs, giving the community a voice and representation, and improving the quality of life and community wellbeing.

How are they funded?

Town or parish councils are funded through a sum of money called a ‘precept’- a separate charge that is added to, and collected with, the Council Tax. The town or parish council sets its own precept to finance the services and facilities it provides.

Why should I respond to the consultation?

Decisions on a range of important matters are made on your behalf all the time. Consultations like this give local people a voice and opportunity to influence important decisions. It involves listening to and learning from local people before decisions are made.

Why is South Cambridgeshire District Council consulting on a Community Governance Review (CGR)? 

Foxton Parish Council have requested that South Cambridgeshire District Council conducts a CGR in time for the 2026 town and parish council elections. It will consider whether decreasing the number of Parish Councillors from 10 to 9 would serve residents better.

When could the changes be implemented? 

Administrative and financial arrangements will take effect from 1 April 2026. Changes to electoral arrangements will come into force at the first scheduled elections following the review. This would be in May 2026.

How can residents have their say on the CGR? 

All interested groups and residents will be invited to give their views. Should you wish to submit a representation regarding this review you will need to refer to the Terms of Reference document available on the Council’s Community Governance Review webpage prior to completing this survey. These will provide you with all the information needed to submit your response. Submissions should take into account the following factors:

• the impact of community governance arrangements on community cohesion
• the size, population and boundaries of a local community or parish
• community governance that will be reflective of the identities and interests of the community in that area
• arrangements that provide for effective and convenient local government.