Surrey Heath Borough Council has started the second stage of its borough-wide Community Governance Review (CGR).
The review is being carried out to make sure local governance arrangements across Surrey Heath continue to be effective and reflect the identity and interests of local communities.
Having evaluated feedback from the first part of the Community Governance Review the council has agreed to conduct a second stage for the below areas:
- Unparished areas (Camberley, Frimley, Frimley Green, Mytchett, Deepcut, Heatherside, and Parkside)
- Bagshot and Lightwater
- Windlesham Village
Residents in these areas are encouraged to complete the online survey or complete a paper version (available from the council offices) to have their say on how they would like their community to be represented in the future.
A parish council, sometimes known as a Town Council, is the most local level of government, representing a specific community, focusing on local issues.
It manages community amenities such as allotments, village greens, cemeteries and community centres, supporting facilities like play areas, footpaths, and community events.
The council is seeking residents’ views on whether areas of Surrey Heath that currently do not have a parish council would like to establish one.
The council also wants to hear residents’ opinions on whether Windlesham should continue with the current combined arrangement with Bagshot and Lightwater or establish a single parish for Windlesham Village.
If Windlesham residents decide to form their own separate parish, the council would like feedback from residents on whether Bagshot and Lightwater should remain as a combined parish, or become separate parishes, one for Bagshot and one for Lightwater.
Following the feedback from the first stage of the CGR, Bisley, Chobham and West End are not being consulted further on whether there should be changes to the parish arrangements in their areas.
The borough-wide Community Governance Review was launched following a cross-party decision made at the July Full Council meeting.
Surrey Heath Borough Council Leader Cllr Shaun Macdonald said:
‘Following the feedback we received in the first stage of the Community Governance Review we are now asking residents of certain areas of the borough to let us know their views on the future of parish councils in their communities. It is crucial people have their say - these decisions could affect how local services are managed and how their community’s voice is represented in the future.”
Independent Community Group Leader Cllr Victoria Wheeler said:
“Having benefited from living in a small Parish I hope all residents will engage to make sure they have local representation.”
Conservative Group Leader Cllr Shaun Garrett said:
“Our message to residents is ‘Your voice counts - have your say and help shape the future of your local community.’ Please complete the relevant survey for your area before the deadline of 26 January.”
Labour Group Leader Cllr Jonathan Quin said:
“This second stage of the CGR is a timely opportunity to evaluate how well our current system serves local people, particularly with the imminent creation of a larger Unitary authority. Make your voice heard.”
The eight-week consultation will close Monday 26 January 2026.
Have your say and help shape the future of local democracy in Surrey Heath.
Take part and find out more about the Community Governance Review (Part Two)