New findings show parish and town councils are key to thriving communities amid local government reform
A new research report published by the University of Birmingham and supported by the National Association of Local Councils (NALC), the Association of Democratic Services Officers (ASDO) and the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) has set out a clear and timely call for principal authorities to strengthen their relationship with parish and town councils as England enters another period of significant local government change.
The 21st Century Parish and Town Councillor and Clerk report highlights how councillors and clerks are already adapting to increasingly complex demands, acting as connectors, communicators and catalysts in their communities. These roles are becoming ever more vital as services are withdrawn, expectations rise, and communities face growing distress.
The report draws on contributions from over 160 councillors, clerks and sector experts, painting a vivid picture of a tier of local government that is both under pressure and full of potential. Participants described how austerity has left many principal authorities unable to maintain even statutory services, pushing parish and town councils into new areas of responsibility. Clerks reported residents turning to them because they "know where we are and know that we will do our best to help". At the same time, councillors spoke of becoming the "piggy in the middle", picking up communication gaps left by larger authorities. Despite this, the research shows councillors and clerks continuing to "survive and thrive", often for little reward, driven by a commitment to their communities and a determination to make a difference.
Against this backdrop, the report sets out three key messages for principal authorities. First, it urges them to learn from the positive partnership models already emerging through local government reorganisation. In several areas, new unitary bids have recognised the value of parish and town councils and proposed new engagement structures to ensure their voice is heard. The report argues that these examples should become the norm, not the exception, as new governance arrangements take shape.
Second, the research calls for principal authorities to recognise parish and town councils as strategic partners rather than peripheral bodies. With many councils already delivering services previously provided by districts, from libraries to recreation grounds, the report highlights the opportunity for principal authorities to work with the sector in a more deliberate and coordinated way. Investing in this tier, it argues, can act as an "invest to save" approach, improving outcomes for residents while reducing pressure on overstretched principal authorities.
Third, the report emphasises that supporting councillor and clerk development must be seen as a shared responsibility. As one participant noted, the pace of change requires "a mindset and skills to move at that pace yet still also be comfortable operating in very small organisations". The report calls for principal authorities to work with NALC, ASDO, SLCC and other partners to strengthen training, leadership development and support networks across the sector.
Alongside these messages for principal authorities, the report sets out clear next steps for parish and town councils themselves. It encourages councillors and clerks to reflect on how the roles of connector, communicator and catalyst apply to their own work, using the report as a tool for personal and collective development. Councils are invited to consider where their strengths lie, where they need support, and how they might build that support within or beyond their council. The report also suggests using its findings to shape induction programmes, inform training needs analysis and support structured development plans, noting that its themes align closely with the Local Government Association's Local Leadership Framework.
The research concludes that parish and town councillors and clerks are "torchbearers for the places they represent", providing continuity, connection and leadership at a time of uncertainty. NALC, ASDO and SLCC welcome the report's call for greater recognition, modernised legislation and stronger support structures to ensure councillors and clerks can continue to make a difference. As local government continues to evolve, the message is clear: the most local tier must be at the heart of reform, not at the margins.
Read the 21st Century Parish and Town Councillor and Clerk report
