NALC urges government to unlock parish and town councils’ role in rural communities
We have written to Jenny Riddell-Carpenter MP, the Minister for Rural Communities, calling for a meeting to discuss how parish and town councils can help deliver the government's ambitions for rural communities.
In our letter, our chair, Cllr Iain Hamilton, highlighted the vital role of England's 10,000 parish and town councils in supporting thriving rural communities, protecting the environment, and delivering local services. The parish and town council sector stands ready to help advance government priorities, including nature recovery, cleaner rivers and waterways, flood resilience, food security and the transition to a greener economy.
The letter welcomed the government's commitment to strengthening rural communities and noted the importance of greater engagement with the parish and town council sector, particularly as communities respond to the impacts of extreme weather events. We also welcomed the government's wider ambition to move powers and resources closer to communities through devolution and public service reform.
We highlighted our contribution to the Future of Rural England Report and support for its recommendations on stronger rural proofing across government, a cross-government Rural Board and ensuring devolution does not overlook rural communities. We stressed that parish and town councils, which cover most of rural England, are well placed to work alongside government, mayors and principal authorities to help deliver better outcomes for local people.
The letter also called for parish and town councils to receive greater recognition as delivery partners, alongside improved access to funding, powers and assets. We have requested a meeting with the minister to discuss how the sector can play a greater role in helping the government achieve its environmental, rural and community objectives.
Parish and town councils are at the heart of rural communities and already play a vital role in protecting the environment, strengthening local resilience and supporting economic prosperity. We look forward to working with the minister to ensure parish and town councils are recognised as key partners in delivering the government's ambitions for rural England.
Cllr Iain Hamilton
NALC chair
