If you want to sign our petition the easiest way at the moment is to print THIS PAGE and get as many signatures, or just your own and send it to or drop it off at the address on the bottom. We need the original page with signatures to hand in to Hertsmere Borough Council.
This Herfordshire County Council page has more information about what is proposed.
Yes, a Parish or Town Council could cost money, at current rates, 2% increase in council tax. This table shows what that could look like.
This is a set of potential options that may be available to a future Parish or Town Council in Bushey. It could be seen as a list of the ideal options, but NONE are guaranteed.
- Protecting Local Representation and Influence
- We expect to have fewer councillors representing residents in Bushey.
- Decisions will increasingly be made at the Unitary Authority level.
- A Parish or Town Council ensures our community has an elected body focused on local priorities.
- It would give residents access to elected representatives focusing on local issues.
- A Strong Local Voice in the New System
- Our Parish or Town Council would be the official voice of the community.
- It could represent residents in dealings with the Unitary Authority and other agencies.
- Without a Parish or Town Council our community risks being overlooked when bigger decisions are made.
- Keeping Local Identity and Pride Alive
- A Parish or Town Council preserves our area’s distinct identity, and sense of place.
- It can take responsibility for local events, and community initiatives, ensuring that we keep our own voice and character.
- Practical Control Over Local Services
- Parish or Town Councils can take on or influence areas such as:
- Parks, open spaces, and play areas
- Public toilets and noticeboards
- Local litter bins, planting, and minor road safety improvement.
- Parish or Town Councils can take on or influence areas such as:
- Access to Funding and Grants
- A Parish or Town Council can raise a small local precept (part of our Council Tax) to invest directly in community priorities.
- It can also apply for grants and funding unavailable to individuals.
- These resources can fund projects that directly benefit residents, such as community centres, youth facilities, or environmental improvements.
- A Platform for Community Action
- A Parish or Town Council provides a legal and accountable structure for community.
- It can work with volunteers, schools, businesses, and local charities to deliver tangible results.
- It strengthens the community’s capacity to act, whether improving a playground, managing a village hall, or running local events.
- Futureproofing Our Community
- Once the new Unitary Authority is established, creating new Parish or Town Councils may become harder as attention shifts elsewhere.
- Acting now ensures our community has formal representation from day one of the new system.
- A Parish or Town Council is a permanent safeguard for our local voice, resilience, and democratic accountability.