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Community Governance Review for the unparished urban area of Guildford - Stage 2

This is the second stage of this Community Governance Review (CGR). We're now seeking views on detailed proposals for how a parish council for Guildford Town could be set up. 

This CGR is proposing the creation of a new parish council for 'the unparished urban area of Guildford'. This area is the only part of our borough without formal community governance, meaning it doesn't have a parish or town council. 

Setting up a parish council would ensure that residents across central Guildford have elected parish councillors making decisions about local, parish-level services. 

Does this consultation affect you? 

Map of boundary for Guildford Town Community Governance Review

The outcome of this CGR will affect these ten wards: 

  • Bellfields and Slyfield 
  • Burpham  
  • Castle 
  • Merrow 
  • Onslow 
  • St Nicolas 
  • Stoke 
  • Stoughton North 
  • Stoughton South 
  • Westborough 

What we're consulting on 

We want to hear whether you agree with our draft proposals to create a new parish council. Our draft recommendations are to: 

  • Create a parish area called 'Guildford' to cover the existing ten borough wards that are currently unparished. 
  • Form 'Guildford Parish Council' to serve the parish area. 
  • Name the ten parish wards the same as the existing ten borough wards. 
  • Elect 24 parish councillors to represent the ten wards that make up the parish area. 
  • Charge a precept (a new increase to the amount of council tax paid by each household) to pay for the running of the parish council and the services it may provide. 

Ward

Number of parish councillors to be elected 
Bellfields and Slyfield2
Burpham2
Castle3
Merrow3
Onslow3
St Nicolas1
Stoke3
Stoughton North2
Stoughton South2
Westborough3

 

Although the new council must initially be set up as a parish council, it could decide to call itself a 'town council'. It could then have a ceremonial 'Mayor of Guildford'. 

What services would the new parish council offer? 

To begin with, a new parish council would have responsibilities for things like allotments and representing the community on planning matters.  

Later it could negotiate with the new unitary authority, landowners and other partners to take on more responsibilities.  

Would my council tax increase? 

Setting up a parish council will affect council tax bills. The amount added to council tax bills to fund a parish council is called a 'precept'.  

Parish councils set their own precept, which pays for the running of the parish council and the services it provides.  

The precept for a new Guildford Parish Council is estimated to be between £60 and £100 for a Band D property for the first year. That's about £5 to £8.34 a month. 

More FAQs

How to respond to this consultation 

Complete the questionnaire online: the quickest and most cost-effective way for you to Community Governance Review for Guildford Town (opens new window).

Complete a printed questionnaire: If you live in the unparished urban area of Guildford, an information pack will be sent to your household.  

Once complete, please return this by post to our Millmead office either: 

  • in person (Sat nav postcode GU2 4BE) or  
  • by post to the address below:  

Community Governance Review 
Millmead House 
Millmead 
Guildford 
Surrey, GU2 4BB  

  • take a clear photo of your paper response and email it as an attachment to CGR@guildford.gov.uk.  

Write to us: if you'd like to submit a longer response you can: 

If you need a large print version of this document: 

What is the deadline for this consultation? 

You have until Sunday 1 March 2026 to respond to this consultation. 

How can I find out more information? 

  • Online presentation on Wednesday 4 February at 7.30pm

We invite you to join us at this online event. We'll explain more about this Community Governance Review and answer your questions.  

We'll publish a link to book your place at this event very soon. 

  • Pop-up events 

We'll be around the town at pop-up events during February. Check back here or our social media channels for dates and locations. 

Community Governance Review brochure 

Community Governance Review brochure 

CGR brochure (PDF, 2 MB)

What happens next? 

  • March 2026: we'll analyse questionnaire results and write a report with final recommendations 
  • Mid-March 2026: Full Council will consider the final recommendations 
  • 1 April 2026: if agreed, the Community Governance Order takes effect and the first steps to set up a Guildford Parish Council will begin. 
  • May 2027: the earliest possible date for elections to any new parish council. 

What happened in the first phase of consultation? 

The first stage of consultation took place between Tuesday 5 August and Sunday 28 September 2025. 

More information about the first stage of consultation.