NALC welcomes government clarification over parish and town council involvement in reorganisation proposals

We have welcomed the government's clarification on parish and town councils' involvement in the development of proposals for unitary local government by local authorities.

Our chair, Cllr Keith Stevens, made representations directly to the Minister for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon MP, expressing our concern that recent guidance to local authorities failed to include parish and town councils in a list of local partners, stakeholders and public bodies that they should engage with.

In response, the minister said, "This government absolutely values the crucial role played by parish and town councils in local government". The letter clarifies that "in working up their proposals, I expect local leaders to seek views from their Members of Parliament, as well as ensuring wider engagement with other local partners and stakeholders, residents, workforce and their representatives, and businesses. This should include parish and town councils in the spirit of that guidance".

The English Devolution White Paper sets out the government's expectation that all two-tier local authority areas develop proposals for reorganisation, rewire their relationship with parish and town councils, and strengthen expectations on engagement and community voice.