A Community Governance Review (CGR) is an opportunity for local authorities to consult with local people and organisations and to make changes to community governance if necessary.
The Council is required to ensure that community governance within the area under review will be:
- reflective of the identities and interests of the community in that area
and
- is effective and convenient
Stage 2 of the Community Governance Reviews is now underway. Emails will be sent to affected residents where an email address is held, alternatively paper copies have been sent out to the properties where an email address is not held against any residents.
Kempston Rural Parish / Kempston West Town Ward
Following a request from Kempston Town Council, this review will consider a boundary realignment with the Kempston West Town Ward boundary and Kempston Rural parish boundary.
If the proposals are accepted the Parish boundaries will be coterminous to the Kempston West Borough ward boundary. The effect of this will be to better align the community along existing boundaries.
The request was proposed at the General Purposes Committee on 6 January 2026.
Households and other stakeholders in the area will be written to inviting their views on these future arrangements and submissions. The submissions will be analysed and draft recommendations / considerations developed based on the responses received.
Complete the survey online:
Kempston Community Governance Review public consultation
This survey closes at 12 midday on 11 September 2026.
View the Kempston Community Governance Review Consultation document (PDF).
Shortstown Parish Council
Bedford Borough Council has received a request from Shortstown Parish Council to conduct a Community Governance Review with a view to increase the number of Parish Councillors.
The request was proposed at the General Purposes Committee on 6 January 2026.
Households and other stakeholders in the area will be written to inviting their views on these future arrangements and submissions. The submissions will be analysed and draft recommendations/ considerations developed based on the responses received.
Complete the survey online:
Shortstown Community Governance Review public consultation
This survey closes at 12 midday on 11 September 2026.
View the Shortstown Community Governance Review Consultation document (PDF).
How to have your say
If you have any views on the final recommendations please email electoral.registration@bedford.gov.uk or write to:
Community Governance Review, Electoral Registration, Bedford Borough Council, Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford, MK42 9AP
For further information please email electoral.registration@bedford.gov.uk
Or write to: Community Governance, Democratic and Registration Services, 3rd Floor Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford, MK42 9AP.