Shaping the future of the first tier

Communities need to be given more opportunities in governance, service delivery and leadership, so that they can empower their local people according to key speakers at today's Shaping Communities Conference, held in London by the National Association of Local Councils (NALC).

With the Local Government Bill in its second reading, now is the time to look at the future of the first tier, including increasing the capacity of parish and town councils and preparing them for future changes and challenges.

Dr Henry Tam, deputy director of local democracy, Department of Local Communities said: "Parish and town councils have a vital role to play in community empowerment. As a result they will become the bridge between the people and the principal authorities (including county, borough and district councils). Many people are still not clear about the role of principal authorities, but parish and town councils are able to connect and engage with their communities to show what local democracy is about in terms of representation and service delivery."

Sir Jeremy Beecham, vice chairman, Local Government Association, said: "The LGA supports a flourishing first tier sector where this can enhance public engagement and improve outcomes for citizens, and there are many parish and town councils which have demonstrated a capacity for both. There are clear opportunities for parish and town councils in service delivery, in acting as advocates for the views of local residents in terms of the policy making processes of principal authorities."

John Findlay, chief executive, NALC commented: "The Local Government White Paper was very encouraging for parish and town councils and we will be looking towards the Local Government Bill to secure a definitive place for the first tier in delivering and representing their local communities. NALC will be striving to ensure that the Government fully implements its proposals with regards to giving more powers and a greater voice to parish and town councils."

Cllr Tim Palmer, vice chairman, County Councils' Network said: "The White Paper reflects the Government's proposals for what they see as three key partnerships at work; the partnership between central and local government, the one between local government and its partners and the partnership between local citizens and local government. Parish and town councils have an important role to play in all three partnerships, and we particularly welcome the community leadership role of parish and town councils and the recognition of their role as democratically elected representatives."

On closing the conference, Cllr Hazel Williams, chairman, NALC Larger Local Councils' Committee said: "The National Association wholly supports the empowerment of local councils, from parish and town councils to principal authorities, and I would like to send particular thanks to Cllr Tim Palmer for his support of partnership working within the first tier."

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Notes for Editors

1. The National Association of Local Councils is the national representative body for 10,000 community, parish and town councils throughout England and Wales. In all, there are over 100,000 community, parish and town councillors throughout England and Wales. These councillors, who serve electorates ranging from small rural communities to major cities, are all independently elected. The councils have powers to raise their own funds through council tax. Community, parish and town councils provide employment for over 25,000 staff while their annual expenditure exceeds £400 million. Together, they can be identified as the nation's single most influential grouping of grassroots opinion-formers. Over 15 million people live in communities served by 10,000 community, parish and town councils nationally - this represents up to 30% of the population. Over 150 new community, parish and town councils have been created since 1997.

2. Please click here for speeches and presentations.

For more information contact Alan Jones on 020 7290 0316/ alan.jones@nalc.gov.uk