“This decision will help safeguard our town’s rich heritage, civic traditions and historic identity in the face of future changes to local government.”

The words of Coun Mike Gilbert, deputy leader of Boston Borough Council, on the move to create a parish council for Boston.

Parish councils are the first tier of local government, sitting below ‘principal’ councils (borough, district, county or unitary authorities).

Boston does not have a parish council, instead the role falls to the Boston Town Area Committee, which is part of Boston Borough Council.

Boston Borough Council has welcomed the £1.5 million Pride in Place grant, describing it as 'fantastic news'. Library image

placeholder image — Boston Borough Council has welcomed the £1.5 million Pride in Place grant, describing it as 'fantastic news'. Library image

However, the Government has been considering proposals that would replace existing borough/district councils in Greater Lincolnshire with new, single-tier authorities. If implemented, this would abolish Boston Borough Council by 2028.

This led to concern the communities in Boston town centre would lose representation.

On top of this, a body to promote and sustain Boston’s heritage and secure the historic role of Mayor would also disappear.

As a result, the council launched a Community Governance Review to help decide what action should be taken, with the public consulted twice during the course of it.

On October 19, following the conclusion of the review, council members approved the creation of a parish council for the town.

Coun Gilbert made his comment as chairman of the Community Governance Review Working Group.

Leader of Boston Borough Council Coun Dale Broughton said: “Members recognised the importance of ensuring Boston retains a strong local voice, preserves its unique civic identity and has local democratic arrangements that focus on the needs of the town’s communities.”

Under the approved arrangements:

A new Boston Parish Council will be established from April 1, 2027
The Boston Parish will cover the district ward areas of Fenside, Skirbeck, St Thomas's, Staniland, Station, Trinity, West and Witham as well as two currently unparished areas in the district Wyberton Ward
The parish council will comprise 22 parish councillors. These will be elected across seven parish wards: Fenside (3), Skirbeck (5), St Thomas’ (2), Staniland and Station (4), Trinity (3), West (2), Witham (3)
The first elections will be held on May 6, 2027
An initial first-year budget of £44,632 has been approved
Responsibility for specified allotments will transfer to the new council following its establishment
Parish councillors will not be paid an allowance