Peers push for stronger protections for parish and town councils
Peers in the House of Lords raised strong concerns about whether the government's English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill would genuinely pass power down to parish and town councils. The first day of the Grand Committee Stage in the House of Lords focused on Part 1 of the Bill, which establishes new strategic authorities. It prompted a series of amendments aimed at clarifying the Bill's intent and protecting the role of England's most local tier of government.
Opening the debate on Amendment 1, our vice-president, Baroness Scott of Bybrook, questioned whether the Bill truly empowers communities or instead risks centralising power further. Baroness Scott of Bybrook emphasised the importance of keeping decisions close to residents and ensuring parish and town councils are properly safeguarded within the new framework.
Our vice-president, Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle, argued for the creation of more parish and town councils in areas where none currently exist, highlighting their value in strengthening local democracy and community voice.
Several peers tabled or supported amendments designed to protect parish and town councils' legal status and functions. These included proposals to prevent new neighbourhood governance regulations from overriding or weakening councils' statutory powers, financial independence or governance arrangements, and to require consultation with representative bodies before any changes are made.
Lord Lansley reinforced these concerns, warning against top-down reorganisations that could marginalise community representation. Lord Lansley said any new neighbourhood structures should "retain and strengthen the role and functions of existing parish and town councils".
Ahead of the debate, we briefed and engaged with peers, including those tabling amendments. Contributions during the Committee Stage reflected these discussions. They echoed calls for clearer statutory recognition of the role of parish and town councils.
While ministers maintained that the Bill would devolve power from Whitehall and enhance community empowerment, peers repeatedly pressed for stronger legal protections. Without them, they warned, the Bill risks weakening the "local" in local government and diminishing the democratic voice of small communities.
We will continue to engage with peers as the Bill progresses through the House of Lords.
