Community Governance Review

CGR survey

Background

In 1974, local government reorganisation led to the creation of new district councils across Lincolnshire, including Boston Borough Council, alongside Lincolnshire County Council. These two tiers of local government are responsible for a range of services. Beneath them, Parish and Town Councils offer a more localised level of representation and decision-making.

Unlike many other towns in Lincolnshire, Boston does not currently have a Town Council. Since 1974, local decision-making and accountability have been the responsibility of Boston Borough Council. In contrast, other areas benefit from Parish or Town Councils made up of locally elected representatives who may manage community events, advocate for local services, protect community assets, invest in parks, and contribute to planning consultations.

Boston Borough Council has a Mayor. The role of the Mayor of Boston Borough Council is primarily ceremonial and civic. The Mayor represents the borough at official events, supports local charities and community initiatives, and acts as an ambassador for Boston.

Currently, around 3% of the Council Tax paid by people in Boston (excluding those in surrounding parishes) is spent on services specific to the town. Decisions on how this portion is spent are made by the full Borough Council, not just the councillors elected to represent Boston.

Boston Borough Council is now asking whether you think Boston should have its own Parish or Town Council. This consultation is part of a Community Governance Review (CGR)—your opportunity to share whether you would prefer more localised decision-making or are satisfied with the current arrangements.

Full details of the review, including the terms of reference and timeline, will be updated regularly on this page.

Community Governance Review Terms of Reference (PDF, 126 KB)

Community Governance Review map (PDF, 1 MB)

Community Governance Review Consultation Document (PDF, 2 MB)

What is a Community Governance Review?

A CGR is a formal process that involves consulting with local people and stakeholders about potential changes to local governance. This can include creating new parishes, establishing or dissolving parish/town councils, or altering boundaries and electoral arrangements.

Which Area is Under Review?

The review focuses on the unparished area of Boston and its boundaries with surrounding parishes. A map showing the review area can be viewed here: Community Governance Review map (PDF, 1 MB)

Boston Town Area Committee (BTAC)

The Boston Town Area Committee (BTAC) provides a range of services and functions for the non-parished areas of Boston. Its role is to fill the gap where there is no parish or town council. BTAC serves the non-parished area of Boston and acts as a substitute for a town or parish council. Its powers are delegated by Boston Borough Council and include:

• Maintaining local amenities: Parks, open spaces, play areas, public toilets
• Organising town events: Supporting festivals and community activities
• Awarding community grants: Funding local organisations and initiatives
• Consultation role: Commenting on planning applications and major developments
• Monitoring services: Reviewing the performance of services within its remit
• Community engagement: Working in partnership with people to reflect their views and improve local services

BTAC is funded through a Special Area Expense Account (SAEA), a precept paid by people in the town area. However, BTAC does not have statutory powers—it operates under the authority of the Borough Council and cannot independently raise funds or make binding decisions outside its delegated scope.

What is a Parish / Town Council?

A Parish or Town Council is the most local level of government in England. These councils are statutory bodies, established under the Local Government Act 1972, and they operate independently from district or borough councils.

While the terms "parish" and "town" council are often used interchangeably, the main difference is in name only, a town council is simply a parish council that has chosen to adopt the title "town". Both have the same powers and responsibilities.

Parish and Town councils are made up of elected councillors who represent specific areas (called wards) within the community. These councillors make decisions on behalf of local residents and are directly accountable to them.

Parish or Town Councils can deliver local services, support community activities, influence planning decisions, and raise funds through a small Council Tax charge.

If Boston were to establish a parish or town council, it would create a new, independent body focused on the needs and priorities of the town's residents. This would give the community a stronger voice and more direct control over certain local services and decisions.

Key Differences Between BTAC and a Parish / Town Council

The table below outlines the key differences between the Boston Town Area Committee (BTAC) and a potential Parish or Town Council:

What Services Could a New Parish / Town Council Provide?

Parish and Town councils have the flexibility to choose which services to provide based on the needs and priorities of their local communities. If a new Parish
or Town Council were created for Boston, it could take responsibility for a range of local services, such as:

• Allotments
• Burial grounds and cemeteries
• Parks and open spaces
• Public toilets
• Litter control and bins
• Play areas
• Community centres
• Crime prevention initiatives
• Local events and festivals
• Neighbourhood planning
• Tourism and markets

These services would be in addition to those provided by Boston Borough Council and Lincolnshire County Council, which would continue to deliver services such as housing, planning, highways, education, and social care.

A Parish or Town Council would have the power to raise funds through a precept (an additional charge on Council Tax) to support the delivery of these services.

How Much Would It Cost?

A Parish or Town Council is funded through a precept, an additional charge added to your Council Tax. This precept is used to pay for the services the council chooses to provide. The exact cost would depend on:

• The range and level of services the new council decides to deliver
• The number of households the cost is shared between

At this stage, it is too early to provide a specific figure for Boston. However, if a Parish or Town Council is created, the initial precept would be set by Boston Borough Council, based on the expected level of services.

Currently, services specific to Boston are funded by all borough taxpayers, with additional contributions from Boston residents through a Special Area Expense Account (SAEA). A new Parish or Town Council would have the power to raise its own funds and decide how they are spent, offering greater local control and accountability.

What Area Would a New Parish / Town Council Cover?

The review will consider whether the current unparished area of Boston should form the boundary of a new Parish or Town Council, and whether any changes should be made to neighbouring parish boundaries. Consideration will be given to natural communities and clear, recognisable boundaries such as roads or rivers. The aim is to ensure that any new Parish or Town Council reflects local identities and provides effective and convenient local governance.

When Could a New Parish / Town Council Be Established?

If agreed, a new Parish or Town Council could be established in time for elections in May 2027.

What About Electoral Arrangements?

If a Parish or Town Council is created, Boston Borough Council will decide whether it should be divided into wards for electing councillors and how many councillors should represent each area. These arrangements form part of this consultation.

We Want to Hear From You

Please share your views on whether Boston should have a Parish or Town Council.

• You can complete the online survey here: CGR survey
• Or you can request a paper copy by emailing demservices@boston.gov.uk or ringing 01205 314591

Deadline for responses: end of the day on Tuesday 26th August 2025.

What Happens Next?

All responses will be considered before draft recommendations are made. These will be subject to further consultation before final decisions are taken by councillors.

Please note: All consultation responses will be published in full and linked from this page.

CGR Key Dates

You can find the timetable for the review below.