RESIDENTS are being invited to a series of drop-in events to find out more about a consultation on parish councils in Worcester.
The Future Worcester public consultation has been launched to give residents a say on how local governance arrangements should be enhanced in the wake of the upcoming Local Government Reorganisation programme. That will see Worcester City Council and Worcestershire County Council replaced with a new organisation in 2028.
Future Worcester is a community governance review, giving residents the chance to have their say on the number of parish councils the city needs in the context of LGR.
Residents can drop into one of four events being organised by Worcester City Council – Ronkswood Community Centre on Wednesday May 27 from 10am until 1pm, The Guildhall on Thursday May 28 from 9.30am until 12.30pm, Perdiswell Leisure Centre on Thursday June 4 from 9.30am until 12.30pm and St John’s Library on Friday June 5 from 10.30am until 1pm.
Coun Lynn Denham, leader of Worcester City Council, said: “These sessions will be a great opportunity for local people to find out more about the important Future Worcester consultation and how it could change our city.
“We know change is coming, because the city and county councils are both going to be replaced by a new authority in April 2028 as part of the Government’s reorganisation programme.
“That makes this the perfect time to ask if there should be more parish councils in the city, in addition to the ones in St Peter’s and Warndon Villages, and whether there should be a Worcester town council.
“Come along to one of the drop-in sessions to talk to our officers about these and other options. The sessions are completely free and will give you a valuable chance to help shape Future Worcester.
“If you can’t make it, you can also find out more and make your voice heard at www.worcester.gov.uk/futureworcester.”
Parish councils can provide a range of local services, including allotments, managing community halls, playgrounds, public toilets, making grants to community organisations and passing byelaws.
This first phase of the Future Worcester consultation runs until Monday June 15.The results will then be considered by Worcester City Council, which is legally responsible for conducting the review. The council will make recommendations for local governance arrangements in Worcester, which will be the subject of a second consultation.
The city council will make a decision on the final recommendations at a meeting in late 2026.
