NALC responds to the appointment of the new prime minister

We have responded to the to the appointment of Andy Burnham MP as the new prime minister of the United Kingdom. Please see our chair, Cllr Iain Hamilton, statement below: 

The National Association of Local Councils congratulates Andy Burnham MP on becoming the prime minister of the United Kingdom. 

Given his steadfast commitment to devolution and his ambition to put power in the hands of local communities, including the rural and coastal areas that have too often been overlooked, we look forward to working with his government to ensure this is a success. 

Parish and town councils already play an indispensable part in local democracy, and we stand ready to work with the new government in its endeavour to take power out of Westminster and Whitehall and deliver good growth in every postcode. 

We also welcome his commitment to a more collaborative style of politics, focused on problem-solving rather than point-scoring, a shift we believe should extend to how government works with parish and town councils, not just between parties in Westminster. 

As the prime minister takes forward his agenda for devolution, we would urge that it does not stop at mayors and combined authorities. Every city, town and village deserves a credible pathway to greater power and fiscal autonomy. Parish and town councils, the tier of government closest to communities, must be part of that settlement if it is to deliver genuine, lasting empowerment. 

We wish the prime minister and his ministerial team the best of luck in delivering on their priorities for local government. As he brings forward his 10-year plan later this year, we are ready to engage further on its development, given the role parish and town councils already play in supporting the places it aims to transform.