The government launches survey on local authority-led neighbourhood governance
The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has launched a survey on local authority-led neighbourhood governance.
The English Devolution and Community Empowerment (EDCE) Bill brings a new requirement for all local authorities to make appropriate arrangements for the effective governance of any neighbourhood area. It provides the Secretary of State with the power to make regulations which define a neighbourhood area, and to specify the criteria that these arrangements must fulfil.
The MHCLG is reviewing existing local authority-led neighbourhood governance structures to explore different approaches and assess their effectiveness. This evidence will inform a detailed policy that will guide the development of regulations and set out clear expectations for local authorities.
The MHCLG is particularly interested in hearing from parish and town councils and county associations with experience in successful partnership working. Views from local authorities, councillors, representative organisations, think tanks, academic institutions, and the voluntary and community sector are also being sought.
The survey is not a public consultation but a means of gathering evidence on models of best practice. The survey closed on 7 October 2025.
