NALC tells summit community-led planning can unlock growth and housing delivery
We highlighted the important role parish and town councils play in supporting housing delivery, economic growth and devolution at the Housing Community Summit 2026 in Liverpool.
We were part of the rural development panel alongside Connexus, the Eden Housing Association and the Rural Coalition, where we explored how rural communities can benefit from development, investment and local government reform.
During the discussion, we challenged the perception that rural communities are a barrier to growth. Drawing on evidence from neighbourhood planning, we underlined how communities are often willing to support development when they are given a meaningful role in shaping it. More than 90% of neighbourhood plans are led by parish and town councils. Over a million people have participated in neighbourhood plan referendums. Research showed communities have allocated more than 45,000 homes against an expected requirement of around 37,000 homes, around 23% more than originally anticipated.
We highlighted examples such as Blandford, Deddington and Haversham-cum-Little Lindford, where communities supported additional housing to secure wider local benefits. The evidence demonstrates that when local people have a meaningful voice through parish and town councils, neighbourhood planning and community-led partnerships, they often become active partners in delivering the homes, infrastructure and investment their communities need.
The panel probed the importance of partnership working in rural areas, particularly between parish and town councils and housing associations. We emphasised that housing associations bring expertise, investment and delivery capability. At the same time, parish and town councils contribute local knowledge, democratic legitimacy and community trust. Together, these partnerships can help deliver affordable homes and support thriving, sustainable rural communities.
We also used the panel session to discuss opportunities presented by devolution and local government reorganisation. Drawing on our recent research with the University of Birmingham, it said parish and town councils are increasingly acting as connectors, communicators and catalysts within their communities and should be recognised as strategic partners within new governance arrangements. The research recommends that principal authorities learn from successful partnership models, treat parish and town councils as strategic partners and invest in councillor and clerk development.
The discussion reinforced a clear message that parish and town councils are not simply consultees in the future of rural communities. They are essential partners in delivering it. Whether supporting housing growth, strengthening local economies, building community consensus or helping communities navigate devolution and local government reorganisation, parish and town councils have a unique ability to connect local priorities with national ambitions.
