NALC plans lobby of parliament

The National Association of Local Council (NALC) is to hold its first ever 'lobby day' aimed at promoting local (parish and town) councils to Members of Parliament.

NALC's Policy Committee this week approved outline plans to hold a 'lobby day' of Parliament after the General Election, which will include representatives of the first tier of local government from across the country meeting with MPs in Westminster to raise awareness, improve understanding and strengthen relationships.

One of the key issues the parish sector will be talking about and promoting is the NALC Manifesto, which sets out its positive offer to the next Government alongside a series of measures to put communities more in control of their areas through stronger local democracy, fairer funding and more powers.

Cllr Ken Browse, chairman of NALC said: "In the first 100 days of the new Parliament I want to see MPs up their game and improve their awareness of town and parish councils in their constituency and the vital work they do to improve their areas.

“Our 'lobby day' aims to do just this and I hope as many MPs as possible will take the time on 30 June 2015 to meet with representatives from our councils and county associations of local councils in Westminster.

“New town and parish councils are being created every year as a result of communities wanting more of a say over their area; so I’m particularly keen for MPs in unparished areas such as our larger towns and cities to engage with us and understand the benefits of grassroots democracy, representation and community action.”