Guildford Borough Council is currently undertaking a Community Governance Review to look at how local representation should work in the wards in and surrounding Guildford town centre, including Burpham. You will have received a booklet about this in the post recently.
The consultation sets out three possible options for the future of local representation in our area:
- No change option: this option asks that the Council waits until the ongoing local government re-organisation process (which it is important to note is separate to this review) is completed before making a final conclusion on what should happen.
- Community empowerment option: this option proposes the establishment of a Neighbourhood Area Committee, which would act as a grouping underneath the present Council and future Unitary Authority, as opposed to a separate authority.
- Community governance option: this option proposes the establishment of either a single Parish Council for the wards in and around Guildford town centre (which would likely be referred to as Guildford Town Council), but is open to accepting different geographical boundaries as part of the consultation. One example of an alternative proposal is from the Guildford Residents’ Association, who have proposed the establishment of three Parish Councils – one for the north and west of Guildford, one for the town centre, and one for the south and east of Guildford including Burpham.
Town Councils, such as nearby Farnham Town Council, can take on responsibilities including taking over facilities such as public toilets, community centres and bus shelters; formally representing the community when it comes to planning matters; and organising local events such as markets and civic events.
This review could directly shape how Burpham is represented so it’s important to take part and have your say.
Residents and businesses have until 28th September to share their views on the proposed options with Guildford Borough Council. The consultation can be found at https://guildford.gov.uk/article/27505/Community-Governance-Review-of-the-unparished-urban-area-of-Guildford-July-2025
Responding online is quick and simple as GBC is only seeking a choice between the options, not detailed feedback.
