Margate’s residents are invited to share their views on detailed plans to set up a new parish council for Margate. A public consultation has launched today, Friday 29 January 2026.
Setting up a new town or parish council must follow a specific process called a Community Governance Review. This began in July 2025 following approval from Thanet District Council’s Cabinet to ask residents’ views on a new town or parish council for Margate.
As part of this Community Governance Review, Thanet District Council is now inviting local people to share their views on the specific details relating to the size and make up of Margate’s new parish council.
Responses to the consultation are encouraged from Margate residents, businesses, community organisations and local groups, and can be submitted via a short online survey. This is open until 5pm on Monday 16 March 2026.
This latest survey follows an earlier consultation held between Friday 15 August and Sunday 28 September 2025. Local people were asked to share their views on whether it was time to set up a Parish Council for Margate. Of the 773 responses received, 700 were either in favour or strongly in favour.
Further information about the Community Governance Review for Margate, the role of town and district councils, and a link to the survey is available on the website. People are strongly encouraged to review the webpage before completing the survey.
Cllr Rick Everitt, Leader of Thanet District Council, said: “Margate is the only place in Thanet that doesn’t already have a parish or town council. Last summer we asked residents, businesses, community organisations and local groups whether they wanted a parish council for their town. Almost everyone that responded told us that yes, they do.
“In response, we’ve drawn up plans for how the council would work. Now it’s time for local people to look at these and tell us what they think, as part of this second public consultation.”
Anyone who is unable to complete the survey online can request an alternative format by calling 01843 577000. Paper forms will also be available from Thanet’s Gateway Plus, Cecil Street, Margate CT9 1RE during normal opening hours.
It is expected that a final decision will be made by July 2026 and that if a new parish council were to be approved, it could be formed in May 2027.
