Management Board meets to review strong progress on key priorities

Our Management Board held a meeting on 9 February 2026 to review progress on key strategic priorities and to accelerate delivery in several critical areas for the sector.

The board welcomed significant progress in securing widespread support for our long-standing campaign to strengthen standards of conduct in local government. We have consistently argued that the current regime lacks effective enforcement mechanisms and fails to provide meaningful deterrents against poor behaviour.

Following sustained engagement with government and partners, there is now wide backing for proposals to introduce meaningful sanctions that would give the standards framework real teeth. Importantly, there is a genuine prospect of legislation being brought forward in the near future. The board agreed that this represents a major step forward in restoring public confidence and supporting councillors and clerks to uphold the highest standards of conduct.

The board also noted success in making the case for the creation of new parish and town councils across England. Around 20 principal authorities are currently undertaking community governance reviews, which could result in the establishment of up to 40 new parish and town councils. It reflects growing recognition of the value of local governance and our sustained advocacy for empowering communities.

In addition, the board welcomed the achievement of engagement targets through our website, with around 12,000 registrations now completed. This milestone marks a significant strengthening of our communication with councillors, clerks, council staff and stakeholders. It supports our ambition to modernise communications and deepen member engagement.

The Management Board reaffirmed its commitment to delivering on our strategic objectives and to continuing to work constructively with the government and partners to strengthen and grow the parish and town council sector.