Residents in Windsor and Maidenhead are being asked whether they would support the creation of town councils that could take on responsibility for local services and assets, giving communities a stronger voice in local decision-making. The proposals form part of the Royal Borough's Community Governance Review of the borough's only two unparished areas.
Any new town councils would be funded through a dedicated council tax precept, resulting in an additional charge on council tax bills – this follows the Royal Borough making clear that any new arrangements would need to be financially neutral to the council and aligned with its Medium-Term Financial Plan.
Subject to the outcome of the consultation and any subsequent decisions, the first elections would take place in May 2028, with town councils taking responsibility for local services identified as part of the review – in other areas this has included services such as allotments and community facilities.
The consultation, running until Wednesday 30 September, asks residents whether they support the creation of town councils, which local services they would like to see managed at community level, and what level of annual council tax precept they would be prepared to pay to support them. Feedback will help inform the council's final recommendations before any decisions are made.
Leader of the council, Cllr Simon Werner, said: "We know many residents have asked us to explore establishing town councils for Windsor and Maidenhead and this consultation marks the start of an important conversation about the future of local democracy in the Royal Borough.
"Before any decision is taken, it’s important that residents have their say – so we can understand whether people support the idea, what services they would like town councils to deliver, and what level of council tax precept they believe would be appropriate to support them."
Residents can find out more about the proposals, learn what town councils do and complete the consultation online. Paper copies of the consultation are also available on request at RBWM Libraries.
Royal Borough launches consultation on proposed town councils for Windsor and Maidenhead
Windsor and Maidenhead residents have an opportunity to have their say on proposals that could reshape local governance, as the Royal Borough launches a consultation on establishing town councils for both areas.