Conservative

Author: Cllr Izzi Seccombe OBE, leader of the LGA Conservative Group

I am delighted to have the opportunity to submit this essay explaining why I believe that parish and town councils matter. I am also looking forward to engaging in a wider discussion on these issues with colleagues from the other LGA political groups at the fringe session NALC is organising at the LGA Conference on 5 July 2023. 

I am proud that in Warwickshire, our parish and town councils are an integral and thriving part of our local government family. In total, we have 166 parish and town councils and around 1000 councillors overseeing a combined budget of £8.85 million per annum. Just one of our five district councils does not have any town or parish councils.

So why do I believe that parish and town councils matter?

Firstly, I want to share those thoughts that immediately came into my mind when I considered this question:

• They are close to their communities.
• They can communicate quickly and widely with their residents.
• They run facilities that are greatly valued by their residents and which are often central to community life. 
• If they are not able to do something themselves, they are likely to have close links with those individuals, charities and organisations that can. 

Clearly, this is not an exhaustive list, but rather my instinctive thoughts resulting from many years of partnership working with parish and town councils and councillors. 

As a committed localist who has consistently argued that more powers should be devolved from Whitehall to local government, I also know from my own experience that parish and town councils, alongside all of the other tiers of local government, have a key role to play in delivering services, supporting communities and ensuring that residents’ views are heard. 

I believe that this has been particularly evident over the past few years when, in response to the unprecedented challenges that we have all faced, parish councils, often working in close partnership with their colleagues in principal authorities, have, to give just a few examples, been a key part of the network of Covid shielding hubs as well as providing other vital support during the pandemic; welcomed those entering the UK through the Homes for Ukraine scheme into their communities; and support residents who are most affected by the rising cost of living through financial aid and initiatives such as warm hubs. 

Moreover, as we have seen over the past year with the Platinum Jubilee, the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, parish councils have been central to the organisation of tens of thousands of events across the country which bring communities together and strengthen civic pride.

For these reasons, in Warwickshire, we view parish and town councils as partners who are very much part of the solution to many of the challenges that we face. 

For example, we all know that climate change is a massive global issue that demands action at the international, national and local levels, and I was privileged to have had the opportunity to attend COP26 in Glasgow in November 2021 as part of the LGA delegation. 

It was fantastic to be part of this historic event which offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share learning and experience with counterparts from across the world. Throughout the conference, we worked to ensure that we were at the forefront of the discussions because it is local government, across all of its tiers, that is mobilising and driving the collective action that is required to address climate change.

At the end of the conference, we were delighted that there was recognition in the final text of the urgent need for multi-level action as well as acknowledgement of the key role that local communities have to play in addressing climate change. 

Whilst I attended COP26 as a representative of the LGA, and therefore primarily of principal councils, I did so knowing from my own experience in Warwickshire that parish and town councils are vital to our own county-wide efforts to tackle this global problem.

It is for this reason that our town and parish councils, acting as co-creators, promoters and applicants themselves, are integral to the successful delivery of our £1 million Warwickshire Green Shoots Community Climate Change Fund, which provides grant funding to community projects to mitigate against, and adapt to, the impact of climate change. 

Put another way, whilst it was the experience of a lifetime for me to attend COP26 alongside world leaders and celebrities, I know that the targets that were set there will only be realised through local action in local communities around the world. In the UK, and certainly in Warwickshire, our parish and town councils are absolutely integral to this. 

Speaking more generally, as the leader of an upper-tier council, I am clear that we need to work positively, constructively and respectfully with all of our partners, whatever their size or functions. That is why our collaboration with our town and parish councils is just as important to me as our relationship with, for example, our neighbouring metropolitan authorities in Solihull and Coventry, with whom we work in partnership on various strategic issues, or indeed the many other partners and organisations that we engage and work with as a county council. 

Through the formalised structure of our Town and Parish Councils’ Reference Group, which meets regularly, we have embedded partnership working on key issues such as highways and road safety, emergency planning, community safety and levelling up, to give just a few examples. 

For me, such partnership working and consultation is an essential part of our mission to deliver the best possible services and outcomes for the people of Warwickshire as it both recognises and respects the democratic mandate of parish and town councils and reflects the fact that they are integral to the successful delivery of our shared priorities.  

In conclusion, as I hope is clear from the above, parish and town councils matter to me because they are a critical link to the people that I represent and serve - both as the leader of my council and as the elected representative of my county division - and because in so many instances they are key to getting things done. 

For me, local and parish councils are a core and much valued part of the local government family, and I would therefore like to conclude by thanking those of you who serve in this role for all that you do to improve and enhance your local communities.

Labour

Author: Cllr Shaun Davies, leader of the LGA Labour Group

Along with being a Leader of Telford and Wrekin Council and the LGA Labour Group, it's been my real honour to be elected to the local councils that serve my ward; Lawley and Overdale Parish Council since 2019 and the Great Dawley Town Council since 2007, and Chair since 2011. I know first-hand the importance of our parish, town and community councils.

Local councils are the closest tier of local government to the people and communities, which means they are the first place people go with local concerns. They are a vital part of any community and central to local activity.

Local councillors are our community leaders, playing an active role in bringing people together and always striving to improve the quality of life in our local areas. As a parish and town councillor myself, I understand the pride of seeing how the decisions you have made have benefitted your community. The Dawley and Malinslee Community Library, which Great Dawley Town Council took control of in 2017, was recently relaunched, offering a brand-new computer suite and printing facilities for the community. We have also overseen the installation of defibrillators across our local area, which could prove lifesaving for someone in cardiac arrest, along with leading youth services and services for our older residents.

Local councils are closely tied to their community, which makes local councillors useful partners to principal authorities. They possess an abundance of local intelligence, allowing them to voice the views of their community. As the leader of Telford and Wrekin Council, I recognise the value of local councils; they give the best reflections of how a community is feeling. Collaborating with local councils and taking their views seriously is essential to making decisions that benefit the people we serve.

In the future, I look forward to seeing local councils continue to work with other tiers of local government. We all stand for election to represent residents and to deliver positive changes in our local area- yet this is only possible with collaboration across the tiers.

Liberal Democrat

Author: Cllr Joe Harris, leader of the LGA Liberal Democrat Group

In the complex web of local governance in England, one of the most vital and often overlooked institutions is the humble parish or town council.

At the grassroots level, town and parish councils play a crucial role in local democracy, serving as the voice of the community and acting as a conduit between residents and higher levels of government.

I know this from experience, having served as a town councillor for 8 years on Cirencester Town Council, including two years as the mayor. For the past four years, I’ve served as the leader of the Cotswold District Council, where we have nearly 100 parishes in our patch.

I’ve identified six key areas where I believe parish and town councils excel.

1. Close proximity to the community:The May seem obvious, but town and parish councils are unique in their close proximity to the communities they serve. They often have their finger on the pulse of local issues, concerns, and aspirations, allowing them to address specific needs more effectively. Being composed of elected representatives who live within the community, parish councils have an intimate understanding of local dynamics, making them well-equipped to make informed decisions and represent the interests of residents.
2. Local decision-making: Parish councils empower local communities by involving them in decision-making processes. More often than not, they provide a platform for residents to have their voices heard, express their opinions, and contribute to shaping the future of their area. From determining local policies to influencing infrastructure development and environmental initiatives, parish councils enable community members to participate in decisions that directly impact their daily lives actively.
3. Strengthening community cohesion:Parish councils play a vital role in fostering a sense of community cohesion. They organize local events, support community initiatives, and act as a focal point for engagement and collaboration. By encouraging social interaction and a shared sense of belonging, parish councils help build stronger, more resilient communities. Just look at how the parish council often led during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure no one was left isolated. They also work to preserve local heritage, promote cultural activities, and celebrate the unique identity of their area, enhancing community pride and cohesion.
4. Local service provision:Parish councils often oversee the provision of essential services at the local level. These services can include maintaining parks and recreational facilities, managing community halls and libraries, or supporting local sports clubs and organizations. By taking charge of these services, parish councils ensure that the needs and preferences of their community are met efficiently and in a manner that aligns with local priorities. While principal authorities have felt the effects of the government’s spending axe over the past decade it has been town and parish councils who have stepped up to the plate to provide services where district, country and unitary councils no longer can. I’m certain that there will be more of this over the coming years when the government’s so-called fairer funding review finally happens.
5. Environmental stewardship:In an era of growing environmental consciousness, parish councils have an increasingly important role in environmental stewardship. It’s great to see that many that have declared climate and ecological emergencies. They can spearhead initiatives such as tree planting programs, sustainable waste management and promoting biodiversity in green spaces. By focusing on local sustainability, parish councils contribute to a greener future while inspiring residents to take responsibility for their environment.
6. Holding higher authorities accountable:Parish councils act as a bridge between residents and higher levels of government, providing a valuable mechanism for accountability. While parish councils need to be careful that they don’t end up as a quasi-scrutiny committee for other local authorities, they can raise concerns, advocate for community interests, and ensure that local issues are brought to the attention of other authorities. Through effective communication and collaboration, parish councils hold power accountable, ultimately striving for better representation and decision-making at all levels.While parish councils may often be overlooked in discussions of governance, their significance cannot be overstated. 

I’m proud to lead the Liberal Democrats in local government and proud that my party recognises the importance of the town and parish sector. ALDC, which supports Lib Dem councillors and campaigners, has recently started training and providing support for town and parish councillors.

Parish and town councils serve as the democratic backbone of local communities, empowering residents and ensuring their voices are heard. From decision-making and community engagement to service provision and environmental stewardship, parish councils play a pivotal role in fostering vibrant, cohesive, and thriving communities. It is essential to recognize their importance and support their efforts as they continue to shape the future of local governance for the betterment of all.

Independent

Author: Cllr Marianne Overton MBE, leader of the LGA Independent Group

At a time when developments in digital technology mean that it’s possible to connect with friends and family located thousands of miles away in mere seconds, the importance of nourishing a local community and connecting neighbours has never been more important. In England, over 10,000 parish, town and village councils (first-tier authorities) represented by around 120,000 councillors give up their time to do exactly this. A similar story can be found in Scotland, with over 1,200 community councils, and Wales, with over 730 town and community councils, whereby councillors dedicate themselves to representing, organising and delivering for their community. These local councillors set out to bridge the gap between residents and larger councils and improve their local community through a multitude of ways - ranging from commenting on planning applications to organising events for the community. 

The most compelling argument for the importance of first-tier authorities is their ability to provide a rapid, yet locally-led, response to national events. There is no better example which demonstrates this than seeing the responses of first-tier councils to support the community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Immediately after the Country entered lockdown to stop the spread of the virus, first-tier authorities embarked on working to support the most vulnerable in their communities. From Freshford Parish Council’s quick action to match a register of volunteers to help residents with day-to-day tasks to Portbury Parish Council’s use of dedicated phone helplines to assist residents, first-tier authorities have the ability to react quickly to the unique needs of their communities and ultimately saved the lives of their most vulnerable residents. 

Alongside the pandemic response, first-tier authorities have been at the heart of communities’ efforts to improve local wildlife and manage sustainable development - with increasing numbers declaring climate and ecological emergencies. In 2020, Hampshire County Council launched the Parish Pollinator Pledge to to empower local Parishes to undertake habitat surveys through the help of local volunteers and create an action plan for local nature recovery. Over in Glastonbury Town Council, the banning of herbicide use as a result of community campaigns led to the introduction of alternative methods of weed control. With the increasing recognition that only locally led solutions can tackle the unique context that is local communities, the close link with the voices of communities means that first-tier authorities are in a unique position to respond to these environmental challenges. 

It is this direct link to local communities that first-tier councils have, which is perhaps their most valuable function and allows them to react to the needs of the community effectively. District and County Councils regularly work closely with parish councillors due to the ability of first-tier authorities to provide valuable feedback and information on the key issues and needs of residents, as this allows them to pinpoint the delivery of services and funding to the areas which need it most. Even large authorities such as Wiltshire Council place parish councillors at the heart of their approach to community improvement by inviting them to sit on board panels where they contribute towards decision-making in areas including health, local funding and highways. Ultimately, involving local community councillors in decisions strengthens the effectiveness of larger councils by including and empowering the voices of local communities.

The significance of having a mechanism for decision-making at the grassroots level has long been recognised as a cornerstone of democracy and is ultimately best delivered by our town, community, and parish councils. However, increasing numbers of “devolution deals” are dissolving councils in favour of larger unitary authorities. In May, eighteen local authorities were disbanded, losing some 500 councillors from local democracy. The larger areas served by each councillor make it harder for residents to develop a trusting relationship with a local councillor. 

Legislation has tended to centralise power rather than devolve it. For example, the national stranglehold of planning. We need councillors to have the power to effect the changes that residents expect. First-tier councils have an increasing role in engaging with these new unitary authorities. The devolution agenda being pursued by this government needs to recognise the importance of grassroots decision-making and adequately fund first-tier authorities to allow them to support their communities effectively.