Last chance to have your say on the establishment of a parish council for Welwyn Garden City

The creation of a parish council for Welwyn Garden City is an important decision and to date, over 2,300 people have responded to the consultation, with 76% in support of the proposal.  Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council (WHBC) is keen to hear from as many people as possible, particularly young people living in the borough, so the closing date for the consultation has been extended.

The second consultation is being held in light of the findings from a first consultation in May and June this year which showed that there is community support for the creation of a parish council for Welwyn Garden City.  The Council is now seeking views on more a detailed proposal for the establishment of the new parish council.  The process of creating a new parish council is known as a Community Governance Review (CGR).  Once established, the parish council could choose to be called a town council.

Welwyn Garden City is the only area in Welwyn Hatfield which does not have a parish or town council.  The role of a parish council is to focus on localised activities like organising local events, local community projects and providing allotments where there is a local need, although their functions and responsibilities vary. 

The intention is for the new parish council to be represented by 15 councillors, with the new council funded from several sources including Council Tax from residents of Welwyn Garden City

For more information about the consultation, parish councils and to complete the short survey online visit the WHBC website.  The survey will be live to 22 November 2026.

Paper copies of the survey are available the Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council Campus East offices in Welwyn Garden City:

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council

Campus East

The Campus

Welwyn Garden City

Hertfordshire AL8 6AE

Paper copies of the survey can also be supplied upon request.

Final recommendations will be taken to Full Council w/b 14 December, with the new parish council expected to go live on 1 April 2027.

Councillor Kieran Thorpe, Executive Member for Governance, said:

“The creation of a new council for Welwyn Garden City is a significant decision that will affect everyone, so it is important that we hear from as many people as possible about this proposal.  Thank you to everyone who has completed the second consultation so far.  We have extended the closing date for the consultation so that more people living in our Borough, can have their say.  Please take a few moments to complete the short survey. This is your final opportunity to contribute to the consultation and help shape the outcome.”