Surrey Heath Borough Council (SHBC) is undertaking a Community Governance Review (CGR) to assess the governance arrangements of both parished and unparished areas across the borough. This has been prompted by a wider Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Surrey, and the creation of unitary authorities.

Under a unitary model, functions currently carried out by Surrey Heath Borough Council (SHBC) will be transferred to a larger unitary authority. At present, two proposals for how this would be implemented in Surrey have been submitted and can be viewed at https://www.surreylgrhub.org/final-proposals.

Within this context, the Community Governance Review (CGR) aims to ensure that all communities benefit from strong and effective local representation, particularly in unparished areas such as Camberley and Frimley. It will also seek, to assess whether existing parish arrangements, including those for Windlesham Parish Council, remain appropriate and fit for purpose.

The reviews outcomes could strengthen local democracy and ensure that governance structures across Surrey Heath retain and enhance local accountability. It may also ensure continued access to Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding, available to town and parish councils to support infrastructure and community improvements. Additionally, it could position those councils to play a greater role in supporting local voluntary and community sectors, particularly where support from higher-tier authorities is diminished.