Laura Sharman 12 November 2021

Calls for radical expansion of parish and town councils

Calls for radical expansion of parish and town councils image

Parish and town councils should be established in every neighbourhood to help places level up and revive local democracy, a think tank has said today.

In a new report, Onward warns that nearly two-thirds (63%) of England are not covered by a town or parish councils.

It shows that in areas with no town or parish councils, there are more than 12,500 residents for every councillor. However, in the village of Weeford in Staffordshire, which is one of the smallest parish councils in England, there are just 25 residents per councillor.

The report also reveals that people living in the Red Wall are less than half as likely to be covered by a local council as the rest of England.

Double Devo found fully parished local authorities have over five times as many community assets on average as fully unparished areas, with 38% higher rates of volunteering and group membership.

Will Tanner, director of Onward, said: 'The evidence is clear that town and parish councils have a demonstrable impact on the strength of local communities and the prosperity of local communities.

'But just two fifths of England benefits from this form of local governance, and many of the most deprived communities still rely on distant district councils or unitary government to fix their problems.

'A simple way for ministers to level up would be to extend town and parish councils throughout England, and deepen their powers to allow local people to take greater ownership of their destiny.'

The report calls for three reforms including holding an automatic ballot for setting up a town or parish council alongside council elections. It also wants town and parish councils to receive 25% of revenue from the planned Infrastructure Levy, and for them to have the authority to 'pull down' responsibility for neighbourhood functions from the local authority if they believe they could do a better job.

Jackie Weaver, chair of the Cheshire Association of Local Councils, said: 'I welcome this report for its acknowledgement of the strengths (and sometimes weaknesses) of the first tier of local government.

'Those of us that know and understand our parish and town councils can see first hand the positive difference they can make in a community.'

Photo: Peter_Fleming / Shutterstock.com

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay award pending)
Do you have a real passion for helping families to make positive changes for themselves and their children? This might be the right role for you!   WH Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer Receptionist

Durham County Council
Grade 3 £24,404 - £25,183 Pro Rata to hours worked Pay award pending
WHAT IS INVOLVED? We are looking to appoint a part time Clerical officer/Receptionist within Business Services to provide a professional, effective a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administration Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Administration Assistant Grade 5    £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31 December 2025 37 hours per week, Te Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Support Assistant Grade 1 £24,027 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31st October 2026 Part Time, 32.5 hours Mon - Fri 9am -4pm Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lecturer in Foundation Learning -Maths, English and Digital

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £34,314 - £37,938 pro rata for part-time term time working PAY AWARD PENDING
The DurhamLearn Foundation Learning programme area delivers Digital Skills, English and Maths Functional Skills.   An opportunity has arisen for a Lec Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner