Why is there a consultation?
We are launching a Community Governance Review (CGR) to explore whether a new town or parish council should be created for Margate – the only area in the district currently without one.
Community Governance Reviews (CGR) are a process where councils can consult on local governance arrangements, including creating new parish or town councils.
Margate does not currently have a parish or town council, unlike every other town and village in the district. Services for Margate are provided directly by both Thanet District Council and Kent County Council.
In July 2025, district councillors agreed to ask residents whether they feel it is time to create a new town or parish council for Margate.
PermalinkTown or parish councils are the first tier of local government. They are made up of elected Councillors who represent the local community.
A town or parish council would:
- be a separately elected body of councillors representing the communities of Margate. Elections take place every four years
- have powers to deliver local services or support initiatives, subject to available resources
- have the ability to raise a precept (an additional amount added to Council Tax) to pay for the activities it carries out
Town and parish council activities usually fall into three categories:
- delivering services like parks and play areas
- giving the community a voice and representing local people
- improving quality of life and wellbeing in the local community
Town and parish councils can own land and buildings. They can provide or manage certain local public services, such as grass cutting, litter bins, street lighting, parks and playgrounds, community buildings and allotments. They play a part in community representation and local administration, reflecting a distinctive community identity.
Parish councils are also consulted on local planning applications within their area and can make recommendations, but they do not have the power to make planning decisions. Parish councils often use their powers to supplement services already provided by a district or county council (principal council).
For example, a parish council might provide extra litter bins to supplement the ones provided by the area’s principal council. The town or parish council would pay for these.
Occasionally, a parish council might deliver services on behalf of a principal council.
Town and parish councils have the power to raise money through the local Council Tax. The average Council Tax precept for parish and town councils in Thanet in 2025/26 is £64 per year, or £1.23 per week. This money pays for the local services delivered by town and parish councils.
There is more information on how your Council Tax is spent on our website.
You can learn more about parish and town councils on the National Association of Local Councils website.
PermalinkA parish council for Margate would need to have a set boundary. The outer boundary is set by the existing town and parish councils that border Margate. This is shown on this map. Any new parish council for Margate could include all or part of this area.
The survey has now closed. Thank you for completing it if you have done so. The results of the survey and any future proposals will now be assessed.
PermalinkAfter the survey closes, the findings will be reviewed. The council will then decide whether to create a new parish council for Margate.
If the decision is taken to go ahead, detailed proposals will be developed and a second consultation will take place between November 2025 and January 2026. People will be invited to give their feedback on those proposals.
It is expected that a final decision will be made in March 2026 and that if a new parish council were to be approved, it could be formed in May 2027.
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