Parish councils in Swindon have reacted with caution to the suggestion from the borough council that they take over more duties, in order to save the higher-level authority money.

A private and confidential paper seen by the Local Democracy reporter suggests Euclid Street might pass over to the smaller councils responsibility for cutting verges along roads, and on roundabouts and ‘gateways’ to the borough, and also that cleaning the town centre and managing public toilets would become the responsibility o South Swindon parish Council.

If the parishes agree, it could save the council a total of £1.25million a year.(Image: Newsquest)

Councillor Ian Edwards, the vice chairman of Central Swindon North Parish Council said: “As always, Central Swindon North Parish Council is happy to work hand in hand with Swindon Borough Council, to cover our obligations to all of our residents and the services we provide.

We understand the financial pressures Swindon Borough Council is under and its need to pass services on to us. We feel we are more than capable of carrying out these services efficiently and effectively if all the conditions are met, but we also need to protect the finances of our parish.”

Talks between Euclid Street and the parish council, have for the moment, paused because of time restrictions and legal requirements, but Cllr Edwards added: “We are happy to restart negotiations as soon as possible and are already looking at a different course of action and the choices available to us.”

Former Conservative Borough councillor and cabinet member Vinay Manro is the chairman of Haydon Wick Parish Council.

He said: “The Labour administration at the borough has been looking to devolve services such as weed spraying, ponds, maintenance of shrubs and hedges on roads such as Thamesdown Drive, and town centre management since July 2023.(Image: Newsquest)

“Parishes have been receptive to what is being asked of them, however, the detail on service delivery, statutory services, potential transfer of staff has not been forthcoming.

“There are both advantages and disadvantages to transferring services to parishes in that it can bring better, localised services based on requirements within each parish, but this comes at a higher cost as each parish has to procure services at a smaller scale.

Cllr Manro added: “Haydon Wick Parish Council has been receptive and looked to enhance the working relationship with Swindon Borough Council, however, time continues to pass with not enough information to form a business case to take on these services. The parish will begin looking at next year’s budget in October and will continue to try to get the required detail from SBC on service transfer.

“Residents’ views will also need to be sought on whether they believe the services are ones they wish to pay additional for.”

Cllr Manro said a piecemeal approach to the developing of tasks may not be feasible: “Councils will have to each agree to taking on services, and look at budgets. I cannot see any parish council taking on these services without significant uplift in precepts.

“The only way I can see it working is if all parishes agree, otherwise the borough council will be left having to deliver some services on a smaller scale, or they will cease the service and some areas will be left without these works being completed.”