NALC supports SALC call for early partnership in Surrey's local government reform
As Surrey moves forward with one of the most significant local government reorganisations in recent decades, we welcome the leadership shown by the Surrey Association of Local Councils (SALC) in setting out a clear, constructive role for parish and town councils in shaping the new local government landscape.
With larger unitary authorities due to replace the county, district and borough councils, there is widespread recognition that these new councils will face immediate pressure. Meeting statutory service demands, stabilising inherited finances and establishing new governance arrangements will dominate the early years of the unitaries' operation. We agree with SALC that this makes early, meaningful partnership with parish and town councils not just desirable, but essential.
SALC's Stronger Vibrant Communities report makes a powerful case for how parish and town councils can support the success of the new unitary authorities while delivering tangible benefits for residents. Across Surrey, parish and town councils already invest more than £11 million each year directly into their communities. That investment supports youth services, parks and open spaces, community centres, local events, biodiversity initiatives and targeted help for vulnerable residents, services that are deeply rooted in place and shaped by local need.
The report sets out practical next steps, through early structured engagement between parish and town councils and the new unitary authorities via joint governance forums and liaison mechanisms, the development of local deals to enable the appropriate transfer of services to parish and town councils, alongside support for communities that wish to establish new parish and town councils. This approach reflects the very best of place-based governance. It demonstrates how parish and town councils can be trusted partners in reform, not an afterthought.
We have consistently highlighted that parish and town councils must be involved from the very start of the process of local government reorganisation and that any transfer of responsibility for assets or services must be backed by adequate funding and capacity support.
We commend SALC for its leadership and ambition, and encourage the. government, principal authorities and partners to engage proactively with parish and town councils to shape a new structure of local governance that is not only efficient and financially resilient but also deeply rooted in the communities it serves.
