Skip to main content

Community Governance Review (CGR) Consultation

Swale Borough Council is undertaking a Community Governance Review,  which will look at a number of options for review across the borough.

There are currently 34 parish councils and three town councils in Swale. Some areas, like Sittingbourne, are not currently represented by this most local tier of government.

This Community Governance Review will consider the following areas:

Sittingbourne

  • creating a Sittingbourne Town Council to cover areas that currently have no parish council
  • creating separate, smaller parish councils for these areas instead
  • moving boundaries of existing parish councils to include these areas
  • changing the boundary of Iwade Parish Council

Isle of Sheppey

  • merging all existing town and parish councils and the non-parished area of Halfway into one single parish council for the Isle of Sheppey
  • creating a new Halfway Parish Council, or absorbing Halfway into an existing council
  • renaming Warden Parish Council to Warden Bay Parish Council

Faversham 

  • extending the Watling Ward boundary
  • transferring an area south of the M2 to Sheldwich Parish Council
  • adding an extra councillor for Priory Ward
  • splitting the current Watling Ward into two wards, East and West with three councillors each

CGRs can help put in place strong, clearly defined local government boundaries that reflect the identities and interests of the communities in that area.

What can a town and parish council achieve?

Parish and town councils play an important in terms of community empowerment at the local level. They can:

  • enhance local representation
  • improve local services
  • give residents a direct voice in local affairs
  • attract funding that boosts the local economy

How are town and parish councils funded?

Town and parish councils are funded by a precept, paid to the parish through Council Tax bills.

How will it affect you?

If you live in an area of the Borough which is currently unparished, a new parish might be created or one of the existing parishes may expand to include the area in which you live. If you live in an area which is already parished, the council may change in size or there may be some changes to its boundaries.

How can I have my say?

Stage one consultation is now open and will close on 9 February 2026.

It is important we hear your views about the area you live, and we encourage you to read the Terms of Reference (PDF 947KB) and view the Ordnance Survey maps to see existing parish and ward boundaries.

You can complete the consultation online.

The council will use the responses to prepare draft recommendations. A second consultation will then be launched to get people's views on these proposed changes.

Following the second consultation, the final proposals will be presented to full council for decision.

This page will be updated throughout the review and the consultation stages.

If you have any questions, concerns or comments please email cgr@swale.gov.uk.

We use cookies

Our website uses cookies to monitor the way you use it, helping to make your experience better. By continuing to use this site or clicking "accept cookies", you agree to our cookies. Cookie policy