National Assembly discusses key findings from Project Keystone

Our National Assembly met on 30 June 2026, which brings together councillors from across England to consider key governance matters and discuss the future direction of the parish and town council sector.

The assembly received our Annual Report alongside updates from our other committees. Members also approved a recommendation from the Management Board that affiliation fees for 2027/28 should increase in line with inflation, using the Office for National Statistics Consumer Prices Index (CPI) figure for June. The final percentage increase will be confirmed shortly and presented to the Annual General Meeting in November, which will formally set the fees.

A significant part of the meeting focused on Project Keystone, our strategic review of the organisation and the future support needed by the sector.

The assembly heard that almost 1,200 responses had been received through the sector-wide consultation. Findings presented by Shared Intelligence identified the three most significant challenges facing parish and town councils over the next decade as funding pressures, increasing responsibilities, and the need to build skills and capacity.

Members also took part in workshops to consider what these findings mean for the sector and how we can best support parish and town councils in meeting future challenges. Their discussions will inform the next phase of Project Keystone, which is expected to conclude by the end of the year.

The strategic review will help shape our future priorities, ensuring we continue to champion and support parish and town councils as their role in local communities continues to grow.