NALC ready to play leading role in Community Renewal Taskforce
We have written to Louise Haigh MP, the First Secretary of State, underlining our commitment to play an active role in the new Community Renewal Taskforce announced by the government as part of its plans to "rewire Britain". The taskforce will focus on supporting local communities and delivering growth across the country.
In our letter, our chair, Cllr Iain Hamilton, welcomed the government's commitment to delivering growth in every postcode and giving communities greater power to develop solutions to local challenges. We highlighted the contribution parish and town councils already make to creating safe, prosperous and vibrant places to live and work.
Parish and town councils should be recognised as key partners in delivering community renewal and the government's wider devolution ambitions. Representing more than 10,000 councils and around 100,000 councillors across England, the sector brings local knowledge, democratic legitimacy and practical experience to addressing the issues facing communities.
We also highlighted that parish and town councils serve communities in every part of England, including some of the most rural and deprived areas of the country. Their close connection to local people puts them in a strong position to help shape and deliver practical solutions to local challenges.
The government's announcement stated the taskforce will work with local leaders to support communities to develop local solutions and deliver growth in every postcode. We have made clear that we and the parish and town council sector stand ready to play an active role in this work and the taskforce's success.
Parish and town councils are uniquely placed to understand local needs and help turn national ambitions into local action. If the government is serious about empowering communities and delivering growth in every postcode, the sector must be recognised as a key partner in that work. We look forward to working with ministers to help make the Community Renewal Taskforce a success.
Cllr Iain Hamilton
NALC chair
