Community Governance Review

Why are the Parish Council ("the Council") proposing to change from a two Ward format (Old Basing Parish Ward & Lychpit Parish Ward) to just one Parish ward?

The current Parish Council is made up of eight Councillors 'elected' from the Old Basing Parish Ward and four Councillors 'elected' from the Lychpit Parish Ward.  These Wards bear no relation to 'Basing and Upton Grey Ward' at the Borough Council, confusingly.

It is the Council's view that each member should represent all residents of the parish community equally, regardless of one's location and that for this reason, it would be best to remove the ratio & the representative labels of 'Old Basing Parish Ward' & 'Lychpit Parish Ward'.

It is hoped that such a change might improve discussions, ensuring a fair, equal, transparent and more inclusive parish environment, which will be of benefit to all parish residents.  The current arrangement is arguably a historical, confusing and inaccurate anomaly that conflicts with how Councillors actually act within the Parish Council.

All Councillors, regardless of which Parish Ward they nominally represent, should act on behalf of all Parish residents regardless of their location.

The representative Ward segregation may even unintentionally and confusingly influence some voters in local elections.

What are the benefits of changing to a one Ward system?

Going to a one Ward system ought to correct an anomaly, be more transparent to voters, better represent what actually happens within the Parish Council processes and make election choices clearer to voters.

What are the 'downsides' to changing the Parish Ward system?

None that the Council could meaningfully identify.

What are the estimate costs of changing to a one ward format?

It is not expected that there will be costs involved.

Are the proposed new housing expansions going to affect Ward representations in the future?

Were large housing developments to be approved for this Parish, they would likely have a significant effect under the current system.  This is because the population ratio of Old Basing Ward would likely significantly increase (refer to the map below to understand that the housing development sites are situated within Old Basing Ward).  The ratio of Councillors in each Parish Ward may need adjustment to reflect this population change.

There is also the possibility that an additional Ward, or indeed Parish, may be created in future.

When are the changes, if accepted, likely to come into effect?

If Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council agrees to change the structure as proposed by Old Basing & Lychpit Parish Council, the changes are expected to come in for the next elections in 2027.  Further timings can be seen in the Timetable linked above.

Where are the current boundaries of the Old Basing Ward and Lychpit Ward?

In the map below, you can see Old Basing Ward (BA04) and Lychpit Ward (BA03) clearly indicated.