We're responsible for keeping parish governance arrangements under review. This process is a Community Governance Review (CGR). We started a CGR across the area on 13 October 2025 and have since made draft recommendations.
The next stage is to consult on those draft recommendations.
During a CGR we must consider whether governance arrangements are:
- reflective of the identities of the community in that area; and
- effective and convenient to the community in that area
In doing so the review is required to take into account:
- the impact of community governance arrangements on community cohesion; and
- the size, population and boundaries of the local community or parish
You can find out about our CGR in the Terms of Reference
The current stage of consultation
The second public consultation lasts for twelve weeks, and closes on 22 April 2026. Residents, parish councils and community groups can comment on the draft recommendations. They can also tell us if they agree or disagree with the recommendations.
We'll draft and agree final recommendations at the end of this stage. We'll then publish legal orders making any agreed changes.
Changes will come into force at the parish and town council elections in 2027.
What the review can and can’t change
Respondents can tell us whether they agree, or not, with the draft recommendations.
In most areas of Westmorland and Furness Council no recommendations have been made.
View the full list of draft recommendations (PDF , 152KB)
We're not looking for new proposals in this stage of the consultation.
Final recommendations will either be:
- the draft recommendations as they are
- the draft recommendations with some minor alterations, or
- the existing governance arrangements with no changes made
We will base these recommendations on responses to this consultation.
Respond to this consultation
You can complete the consultation online, using our online form.
You can also send your representations or any queries via email or post.
Email: elections3@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk.
Address:
Westmorland and Furness Council
Electoral Services
South Lakeland House
Lowther Street
Kendal
LA9 4DQ
Previous CGRs
We conducted a limited CGR to consult on bringing local election dates into line in 2025. This is now complete.
Read the council meeting minutes (24 July 2025) relating to this CGR.