Swindon Borough Council might ask parish councils across the borough to take on extra responsibilities; especially maintaining road verges, roundabouts and gateways, and cleaning the town centre, in order to save the higher authority money.

And if such a transfer of responsibilities is agreed upon with all the town’s parish councils it could save Euclid Street £1.2m a year – but it seems less likely to save council taxpayers much, as the smaller councils could well have to increase what they charge taxpayers in their council tax precept.

The Local Democracy Reporter has seen a document, marked “Draft and Confidential” called “Parishes Transfer of Service 2024 - Draft Scope of Service”.

It says: “Given the challenging financial position Swindon Borough Council is facing, it is recognised that there is a need to explore alternative service delivery options for Swindon’s residents within the constraints of available funding.

On that basis, Swindon Borough Council agreed to explore with parish councils whether any further activities currently being delivered by the Borough Council could reasonably be devolved to be run by the parish councils.

This approach is part of the council’s broader budget-saving proposals.”

The proposed duties to be transferred are highway grass verges, hedgerows, shrub beds, litter clearance, weed control, at ‘gateways’ such as motorway junctions, and roundabouts; grounds maintenance - rural routes, cemeteries, housing grounds maintenance weed control, town centre floral bedding, and town centre cleaning -  car park & toilet cleaning, litter picking, bin emptying, removal of graffiti.

At the moment there are 12.5 full-time equivalent staff employed by the borough council across all these activities.

“It is recognised that services previously devolved to parish councils have been delivered successfully, meeting residents' satisfaction and allowing for local tailoring in line with residents’ views and requirements.

“This success sets a precedent for further service devolution and underscores the ability of parish councils to manage and enhance local services effectively.(Image: Newsquest)

“However, ongoing monitoring and feedback mechanisms must be established to ensure that these services continue to meet the evolving needs of residents.”

The savings suggested in the paper are £382,000 for employee costs for grounds maintenance, gateways and roundabouts, and £246,000, adding up to £628,000.

For town centre cleaning the staff costs are £465,000, running expenses are £117,000 and public toilets running expenses £37,000 – adding up to £619,000.

The total savings to the council would be approaching £1.25m per year.

The paper says the borough council would like agreement from parish councils so the duties can be picked up by the smaller authorities from the start of April 2025.

Councillor Jim Grant, as the borough council’s cabinet member for communities and partnerships has responsibility for the liaison between Euclid Street and the parish councils.

He said: “We are very disappointed that a confidential document appears to have been leaked to the press.

“There have been ongoing discussions between the borough council and parish councils over the possibility of a small number of services being transferred in order that the borough council, given its current financial constraints, does not have to reduce more services to the public.

“These discussions will continue and, when they are concluded, we will make the public aware of any proposed changes.”