Should Kibworth Parish councils merge?
This proposal is not about merging the two villages; it is about asking for a Review to consider merging the two parish councils.
Since being formed in 1895, there has been both Kibworth Harcourt and Kibworth Beauchamp parish councils.
They have always worked together to manage the Kibworth Cemetery and some of the Recreation Parks.
Since 2020, the clerks and staff have shared an office and collaborated closely on several projects, e.g. Skatepark, Zipwire, MUGA and building the library extension at the Kibworth Community Hub.
What are the benefits of a merger?
Although the two parish councils operate separately and have separate public monthly parish council meetings, they share responsibility for the Kibworth Cemetery on the A6 and for most of the public parks.
Since 2020, they have also shared a parish council office in the Kibworth Community Hub and also shared the costs of some parish council staff – the deputy clerk and grounds maintenance team.
Currently, all shared costs of the two parish councils are invoiced between the two parish councils each month, so that all expenses are itemised against the two separate parish council budgets.
If the two parish councils are merged, this duplication of invoicing would stop, so saving considerable time and effort for the parish managers. The parish elements of council tax are currently slightly different but if the parish councils are merged this would become the same for properties in both parishes. It would only be necessary for one public parish council meeting each month, instead of the present two meetings – one for each parish council
Community Governance Review
To consider changes to the legal situation, there needs to be a Community Governance Review, carried out by Harborough District Council.
Although both parish councils have agreed that a merger would be beneficial, the District Council has asked that a petition is carried out to see whether residents agree. If 7.5% (at least 420 names) of the total electorate from both parishes agree to a Review, then District Council officers will conduct the Review, looking at options before carrying out a consultation, probably in the form of a referendum, on the recommended option.
This Review will look at several options, including status quo or merger. The Review may also look into having named areas, wards, such as for Broughton Astley Parish Council where there are five wards.
When would a merger happen?
If the petition gets 420 names or more by mid June 2026, then the District Council would arrange the Review timescales.
With Local Government Reorganisation expected to take place in 2027, it is likely that the merger Review will be undertaken over the next 12 months with the eventual consultation decision in 2027.
If the final outcome is to merge the two parish councils, elections for the new Kibworth parish council would not take place until 2028 or later.
How can you sign the petition?
The petition can be signed both online and in person.
The paper petition is available in the Kibworth Community Library in the Kibworth Community Hub. An online petition can be found at change.org
In both cases you need to add your name and the full village name of your address. Only those on the electorate from either Kibworth Beauchamp or Kibworth Harcourt are eligible.
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