A PROPOSAL aimed at giving residents more say in decisions is set to be discussed. On December 4, a consultation began in Eastleigh to ask residents if they wanted a new parish where they live. Currently, Eastleigh town is the only location in the borough not to have a parish council, and decisions that would normally be made by parish councillors are mostly made by the Eastleigh Local Area Committee. If created, it is claimed that the new body would give residents a greater say on how the budget for local services is spent. Leaflets were handed out in December asking businesses and homeowners for their opinions, with the consultation ending on January 25.
A public consultation, known as a Community Governance Review, is currently being conducted by Eastleigh Borough Council. If approved, one or more new parish or town councils could be created in Eastleigh s town centre, the last unparished area in the borough. The change would give residents a greater say in how the budget for local services, such as the maintenance of open spaces and play areas, and the management of community buildings and cemeteries, is spent. Householders in Eastleigh town centre and surrounding neighbourhoods are now being urged to take part in an online survey on the proposal. The Leader of Eastleigh Borough Council, Councillor Keith House, said: “With the threat of much larger ‘unitary councils’ being created, covering a far greater area than existing borough councils and over half a million people, it’s important we keep local decision-making to give residents effective and accountable local representation.