Community Governance Review
At the request of the Pyrford Neighbourhood Forum, Woking Borough Council (WBC) is conducting a Community Governance Review (CGR) on whether a Parish Council should be created for the Pyrford Neighbourhood Forum area. The consultation opened on 1 October 2025 and closes on 30 November 2025.
WBC have created a webpage for the consultation which has some excellent Frequently Asked Questions such as “What are the benefits of a parish council?”, “How are parish councils funded?” and “What relationship do parish councils have with church parishes?”.
Please visit the WBC Consultation Page wokingsays.woking.gov.uk/en-GB/projects/pyrfordcgr to read more and complete the survey.
What does a Parish Council do?
A Parish Council works to keep a village a great place to live. It protects the environment, delivers local services and represents the views of residents.
A Parish Council cares for the environment by
- maintaining green spaces, play areas and open spaces
- ensuring that verges, hedgerows, footpaths and bridleways are maintained
- encouraging the planting of trees
- looking after benches, bus shelters, noticeboards and planters
- organising litter picks and community clean ups
A Parish Council supports the community by
- organising village events such as Christmas lights
- providing grants and donations to local charities and clubs
- applying for external funding to improve village facilities
- maintaining and running community buildings and allotments
- communicating with residents through a website, newsletters and noticeboards
- managing applications for Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) funding
A Parish Council shapes future infrastructure development by
- reviewing all planning applications in the parish
- managing the Neighbourhood Plan and monitoring compliance with its policies
- monitoring traffic and parking issues and campaigning for safer roads
- promoting active travel with priority for those walking, wheeling or cycling
- lobbying for improved public transport
A Parish Council maintains transparency and accountability by
- holding local monthly meetings which all residents can attend
- publishing minutes and accounts
- employing a Parish Clerk to manage day-to-day operations
Why did Pyrford Neighbourhood Forum request the CGR?
In May 2027 Woking Borough Council will cease to exist. From that time, local decisions will be made by a Unitary Authority called West Surrey. This will be made of the existing boroughs of Waverley, Guildford, Woking and Surrey Heath (and possibly also Runnymede and Spelthorne), covering a population of up to 600,000 people.
50% of residents in West Surrey currently have a town or parish council. Other non-parished areas in Surrey are also carrying out CGRs because it is feared that non-parished areas will be at a disadvantage to parished areas in terms of democratic representation and the provision of local services.