New report finds parish and town councils are the unsung heroes of emergency responses

Parish and town councils have become unsung heroes of local emergency response, according to our new research with the London School of Economics.

A survey of over 400 parish and town councils found that 85% provided support during the COVID-19 pandemic, most often by signposting residents to help, delivering food and medicines, and identifying vulnerable people. Parish and town councils in the South West and South East were the most active, while rural authorities overall proved particularly engaged.

Beyond the pandemic, one in three parish and town councils has faced other emergencies in the past decade, such as floods, storms and power cuts. Here too, they stepped in with practical help such as sandbags, shelter and local intelligence for emergency services.

Despite this, fewer than half of parish and town councils have a formal emergency plan, and nearly a third have none at all. Many want to do more but cite a lack of time, resources and unclear responsibilities. Relationships with Local Resilience Forums (LRFs), which coordinate emergency planning, are also weak. Over half of respondents knew little or nothing about their LRF, and only 12% reported a strong two-way link.

The report highlights parish and town councils’ unique strengths in the knowledge of local conditions and the ability to mobilise volunteers quickly. With climate change driving more frequent crises, strengthening parish and town councils’ role, through better planning, resources and closer ties with LRFs, could be key to building community resilience.

The findings point to both challenges and opportunities. Parish and town councils are proven first responders in times of crisis. Still, their role remains underdeveloped and under-recognised in national emergency planning. Strengthening ties with Local Resilience Forums, expanding local emergency plans, and providing more resources would transform parish and town councils into even more effective partners in safeguarding communities.