Notice of Community Governance Review

Sevenoaks District Council has decided to undertake a review of parish councils in it’s area; this is called a community governance review.

 

The District Council believes that parish councils play an important role at the local level and is keen to ensure that parishes continue to be robust, representative and able to meet the challenges ahead.

 

Central government recommends a review every 10-15 years. The last review in Sevenoaks was completed in 1999.

 

What is a Community Governance Review?

 

Community governance reviews are an opportunity for interested persons to consider how their local communities are run. Proposals may be made to create new parishes, to merge or group parishes or to alter the boundaries of parishes or ward boundaries within parishes. Suggestions may also be made for the alteration of parish names and the changing of representation on the parish council, i.e. the number of councillors.

 

Anyone may make representations to the District Council and those views will be put before Members of the Council at meetings of the Electoral Arrangements Committee. The District Council will be guided by the relevant legislation and guidance, in particular the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 and Guidance on Community Governance Reviews (published jointly by the Department for Communities and Local Government and the Electoral Commission).

 

The timetable for the review

 

The review commences on Wednesday, 30th November 2011 and the deadline for submitting proposals is Friday, 24th February 2012. The District Council will publish it’s draft recommendations for change in April 2012 and will invite comments over the following 12 weeks. Final recommendations will be published by the District Council in August 2012. Any changes to be made to parishes will come into effect at the next full elections of parish councillors in May 2015.

 

Submit your views in writing to:  Ian Bigwood, Manager, Electoral Services, Sevenoaks District Council, Council Offices, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 1HG or email: elreg@sevenoaks.gov.uk.  Alternatively visit the District Council website at www.sevenoaks.gov.uk.

   

Severe Weather Communications - 2011/12

Severe weather can result in disruption to many local services.

 

During severe winter weather you can find out about the latest situation by visiting www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/extremeweather, signing up to Council’s twitter feed at www.twitter.com/sdc_newsdesk or calling 01732 227000.

 

For details of winter gritting and snow clearance arrangements, visit Kent ‘County Council’s website www.kent.gov.uk/highways or call 08458 247800.

 

The 2013 Review of Parliamentary Constituencies in England

The Boundary Commission for England published its initial proposals for new Parliamentary constituencies in England.  We are consulting on the proposals until 5 December 2011.

You can find out about the proposals from our website

www.independent.gov.uk/boundarycommissionforengland

 

Public interest and written feedback is welcome as well as oral contributions at each of the 36 public hearings being conducted (see website).

 

If there is any local coverage you would like to bring to attention, especially prior to the holding of a public hearing, please send a brief synopsis to press@bcommengland.x.gsi.gov.uk

 

Kent Carrier

North West Kent Karrier is a flexible dial-a-ride service that takes members directly from their door to anywhere in the scheme area.  All services are operated with wheelchair accessible vehicles and our experienced drivers will give you all the help you need.  To book the service you need to be a Kent Karrier member and quote your membership number.  You can become a member if you have a mobility impairment or other medical condition that makes travelling on public transport difficult or if you live in a rural area more than 500 metres away from a bus stop or railway station.  Membership costs £5 per year.  For an application form and more details please phone Kent County Council on 01622 605349.

 

Keep up with activities in your area

Members of the public now have the ability to view the crime statistics where they live and contact local officers straight from a new website launched this month ....www.police.uk

 

This website provides you with helpful information about crime and policing in your area.

 

Job Club

A JOB CLUB meets 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month - 1.30 to 3 p.m. in the Heritage Centre, College Road, Hextable, BR8 7LT. Offers practical advice and help to anyone looking for work or wanting to start a business.

Contact: Geoff Parsons (Club Co-ordinator) email: geoff.parsons3@ntlworld.com