Public Issues
To receive any public questions, statements or petitions submitted in accordance with the Constitution. Further information on the requirements for submitting these is available to view at the following link:-
https://democracy.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/ieListMeetings.aspx?CommitteeID=151&Info=1&bcr=1
The deadline for the submission of public questions is mid-day on Thursday 25 September 2025 [mid-day 3 clear working days before the meeting].
The deadline for the submission of a statement is mid-day on Tuesday 30 September 2025 [mid-day the working day before the meeting].
The deadline for the submission of a petition is Wednesday 17 September 2025 [10 working days before the meeting].
Decision:
Cabinet was advised that there had been no petitions or questions submitted by members of the public on this occasion, but that two statements had been received in relation to Agenda Item 7 (Community Governance Review – Final Recommendations).
Public Statement from Councillor Vivienne Charrett (Mayor of Christchurch Town Council) on Agenda Item 7 – Community Governance Review – Final Recommendations
For Christchurch 178 people responded, only 70 of which were residents. Overall, two thirds of residents approved of keeping the town council as it is, while 60% of those who did not live here, were against it.
I have been both a parish and town councillor for 23 years. My experience of parish councils has been entirely positive. My previous council had existed for over 100 years. It was regarded as a bulwark against the vagaries of the higher councils and always on their side, and, more importantly, created a beautiful and clean town.
I believe strongly in town and parish councils. As unitary and larger authorities get bigger, they move further away from what people on the ground want and need. Parish and town councils are the local face of democracy and deal with the small things that make the lives of residents so much better and more fulfilling.
Public Statement from Councillor Adam Sofianos (Chair of Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council) Agenda Item 7 – Community Governance Review – Final Recommendations read by Democratic Services
For 6 years, residents around Christchurch have enjoyed the many benefits of town and parish councils. Likewise, the 10,000 similar councils around England.
However, the offer to extend these benefits to Bournemouth and Poole has triggered an extraordinary campaign of misinformation. This has suppressed rational discourse and clearly affected the consultation results.
Sadly, independent, experienced voices from local councils have not been allowed to participate in this process, to balance out this misinformation. And, in this vacuum, hysteria has prevailed.
As a parish council, we act loyally and exclusively for our immediate residents, providing services, support and dedication which are not deliverable at the unitary level. Sadly, I only have 150 words, which is insufficient to explain this.
I can only recommend that members listen carefully to their colleagues from existing town & parish councils. Make the right decision for your community.
But base it on reality, not on misrepresentation.
Minutes:
Cabinet was advised that there had been no petitions or questions submitted by members of the public on this occasion, but that two statements had been received in relation to Agenda Item 7 (Community Governance Review – Final Recommendations).
Public Statement from Councillor Vivienne Charrett (Mayor of Christchurch Town Council) on Agenda Item 7 – Community Governance Review – Final Recommendations
For Christchurch 178 people responded, only 70 of which were residents. Overall, two thirds of residents approved of keeping the town council as it is, while 60% of those who did not live here, were against it.
I have been both a parish and town councillor for 23 years. My experience of parish councils has been entirely positive. My previous council had existed for over 100 years. It was regarded as a bulwark against the vagaries of the higher councils and always on their side, and, more importantly, created a beautiful and clean town.
I believe strongly in town and parish councils. As unitary and larger authorities get bigger, they move further away from what people on the ground want and need. Parish and town councils are the local face of democracy and deal with the small things that make the lives of residents so much better and more fulfilling.
Public Statement from Councillor Adam Sofianos (Chair of Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council) Agenda Item 7 – Community Governance Review – Final Recommendations read by Democratic Services
For 6 years, residents around Christchurch have enjoyed the many benefits of town and parish councils. Likewise, the 10,000 similar councils around England.
However, the offer to extend these benefits to Bournemouth and Poole has triggered an extraordinary campaign of misinformation. This has suppressed rational discourse and clearly affected the consultation results.
Sadly, independent, experienced voices from local councils have not been allowed to participate in this process, to balance out this misinformation. And, in this vacuum, hysteria has prevailed.
As a parish council, we act loyally and exclusively for our immediate residents, providing services, support and dedication which are not deliverable at the unitary level. Sadly, I only have 150 words, which is insufficient to explain this.
I can only recommend that members listen carefully to their colleagues from existing town & parish councils. Make the right decision for your community.
But base it on reality, not on misrepresentation.