04 Aug 2025
Whether central St Albans should have its own parish or town council is one of the issues which will be addressed as part of SADC’s Community Governance Review (CGR).
The review follows the Government’s decision to restructure local government at district and county level to create more unitary authorities by May 2028, which will see the end of both HCC and SADC.
Before this happens, SADC is looking to see if any changes should be made to the district’s parish and town councils, which organise community events and look after assets such as open spaces, play areas and allotments.
The review will also explore the best way to preserve St Albans’ historic mayoralty which has existed since 1553.
SADC leader Cllr Paul De Kort said: “Parish councils are an important part of our local government system and should not be overlooked as the restructuring of local government is undertaken.
“This consultation gives residents, community groups and other organisations the chance to put forward their views on the issues involved.
“In particular, we will be interested to see if there is an appetite for a new parish council in the unparished area of St Albans which covers around 28,000 households.
“I urge everyone with an interest in the future of our district to take part and let us know their thoughts.”
There are nine parish and town councils in the district: Harpenden, Harpenden Rural, Redbourn, Wheathampstead, London Colney, Sandridge, Colney Heath, St Michael and St Stephen.
The unparished area includes the district council wards of Batchwood, Bernards Heath, Clarence, Cunningham, Hill End, Marshalswick West, Sopwell, St Peters and Verulam.
Residents can now take part in the CGR consultation, which runs until Monday October 6, and give their views on the District’s existing town and parish councils as well as any changes they would like to see.
They should email CGR@stalbans.gov.uk or write to Community Governance Review, Electoral Services, St Albans City and District Council, Civic Centre, St Peter’s Street, St Albans, AL1 3JE.
Responses received will be used to draw up recommendations which will then by put forward to a second public consultation towards the end of 2025.
