NALC calls on government to put parish and town councils at the heart of environmental action
We have written to Dame Angela Eagle MP, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, highlighting the important role parish and town councils can play in delivering the government's environmental, rural and community objectives.
In our letter, our chair, Cllr Iain Hamilton, outlined how parish and town councils are already supporting nature recovery, flood resilience, climate adaptation and thriving communities through projects such as biodiversity initiatives, tree planting, community green spaces and local food schemes.
We welcomed the government's ambitions for cleaner rivers and waterways, food security and a green economy. We stressed that parish and town councils stand ready to help deliver these priorities locally as the tier of local government closest to communities.
We highlighted our support for the Future of Rural England Report, particularly its focus on stronger rural proofing, improved accountability and ensuring devolution does not overlook rural areas. We emphasised that parish and town councils cover most of rural England and have an important role to play in helping rural communities realise their full potential.
We also welcomed the government's commitment to move powers and resources closer to communities. We argued that parish and town councils can help government, mayors and local authorities deliver better outcomes for people and places.
Recognising the contribution of parish and town councils as delivery partners will be vital to achieving the government's environmental and rural ambitions. We urged the government to provide the sector with greater recognition, direct access to funding, and the powers and assets needed to act locally.
Parish and town councils are already helping to create greener, more resilient and thriving communities across England. They are well placed to help deliver the government's environmental, rural and community objectives, but to unlock the full potential of the sector, parish and town councils need greater recognition, direct funding, and the powers and assets to act as local delivery partners.
Cllr Iain Hamilton
NALC chair
