Potters Bar Community Governance Review 2026

Aldenham Parish Council covers Radlett, Aldenham, Letchmore Heath and Patchetts Green.

As of the last full publication of the register, Aldenham Parish Council have a total of 7673 parish electors.

Aldenham Parish Council has 12 councillors, divided equally into 2 wards.

Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council covers the areas of Elstree and Borehamwood.

As of the last full publication of the electoral register, the Town Council is responsible for 28,957 parish electors.

Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council has 13 councillors, divided between 7 wards.

Shenley Parish Council covers the total area of Shenley.

As of the last full publication of the electoral register, the Parish Council is responsible for 3282 parish electors.

Shenley Parish Council has 9 councillors and is not warded.

South Mimms and Ridge Parish Council covers the total area of South Mimms and Ridge.

As of the last full publication of the electoral register, the Parish Council is responsible for 856 parish electors.

South Mimms and Ridge Parish Council has 5 councillors, divided by wards by 4 councillors for South Mimms and 1 councillor for Ridge.

Parish councils are the level of government closest to the local community. They are a local authority with various duties and powers with an overall responsibility for the wellbeing of the community.

More information can be found on the National Association of Local Councils website: https://www.nalc.gov.uk/about/parish-and-town-councils.html (opens in new tab)

A civil parish is the area or locality that sits within the designated parish boundary.

A civil parish is the lowest tier of local government administration in England, representing a specific geographical area (village, town, or neighbourhood).

A parish council is the elected body of local councillors responsible for managing that specific civil parish area.

Yes.

Small parishes (typically fewer than 200 electors) often do not have a parish council. These civil parishes operate through a parish meeting. A parish meeting is overseen by the principle authority of the area and is made up of an assembly of residents. The civil parish only exists as a geographical and legal entity.

If a parish has no council, a parish meeting must still take place at least once a year.

Parish councils are funded through a precept meaning, an amount of money calculated as part of the local council tax. These funds are budgeted and allocated to improve facilities and services within the community.

Parish councils also qualify for funds from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). This is money that local authorities can set on new development in order to raise funds to help fund the infrastructure, facilities and services - such as schools or transport improvements - needed to support new homes and businesses.

For parish areas with an approved neighbourhood plan, parish councils would receive 25 per cent of CIL money. However, for parish areas without a neighbourhood plan, parish councils would only receive 15 per cent of CIL money.

The ‘name’ of a parish refers to the geographical name of the area concerned and can be changed independent of a review by a principal council at the request of a parish council or parish meeting (where there is no parish council).

A change in the status or ‘style’ of a parish allows for that area to be known as a town, community neighbourhood or village, rather than as a parish.

The 'name' or 'style' of a parish does not change its level of governance, status or responsibility.

The consultation process of a Community Governance Review impacts the recommendations made by Council. Without responses, we are unable to determine a true picture of what the residents want for the Potters Bar area.

The recommendations made at the end of the review, must be fully supported by evidence. All comments and representations received will be considered.