We recommend parish council for Guildford Town to West Surrey shadow authority

On Monday 16 March, Guildford Borough councillors considered feedback from the public consultation on whether to create a parish council for Guildford town. 

Full Council reviewed all three options available to us and agreed to recommend to the future West Surrey shadow authority that a parish council for Guildford be created from 1 April 2027. Councillors also approved the use of up to £300,000 from the Medium Term Financial Plan reserve to cover the start-up costs for the new parish council, but only if the West Surrey shadow authority decides to create it. 

Following recent government legislation, the final decision to set up a new parish council will now rest with the future West Surrey shadow authority. Since Guildford's second phase of consultation began, the Surrey (Structural Changes) Order 2026 has removed some of our powers around Community Governance Reviews, including the ability to set up new parish councils. 

After the meeting, Cllr Julia McShane, Leader of the Council said: 

"We're grateful to everyone who shared their views during the consultation." 

Cllr Vanessa King, Deputy Leader of the Council added: 

"By recommending a new parish council, we are acting to protect Guildford's local voice and historic identity.  

"This ensures our community remains heard within the large unitary authority. This decision provides a clear plan and necessary funding to safeguard our town's unique heritage and local representation for every single resident." 

Read more information and analysis of the consultation responses. 

Published on: 17 March 2026.