Guildford Borough Council is consulting on a Community Governance Review (CGR) for the unparished urban area of Guildford Town. The CGR explores how best to represent the local interests of communities across ten wards in Guildford Town. This is the only area in the borough without formal community governance arrangements already in place.

The consultation sets out three options for future community empowerment or community governance:

• No change option: await the creation of a new Unitary Authority
• Community empowerment option: set up a Neighbourhood Area Committee (NAC)
• Community governance option: Create one or more new parish councils

Respondents can also submit their own proposals with the reasons for an alternative option, its benefits and the specific area any new arrangements would apply.

The first phase of consultation runs until midnight on Sunday 28 September 2025.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Julia McShane said:

“It’s important that we understand what kind of community empowerment or governance our residents want. This review is a chance to shape the future of Guildford Town’s representation and ensure it reflects the needs and aspirations of our communities.

“Every household in the affected wards will receive a letter from us explaining what we’re consulting on and how to submit their views. I encourage residents living and working in Guildford Town to have their say.”

Feedback from the initial consultation will help shape the draft recommendations to be presented to Full Council on Tuesday 9 December 2025. A second consultation phase on the draft recommendations could potentially take place in 2026.

More information about the community governance options and how to participate are on the Guildford Borough website by searching Guildford CGR.