The House Article | True governance lies closer to home than Westminster

The headquarters of Derby City Council in Derbyshire (Rob Atherton/Alamy)

3 min read8 min

England’s system of governance is complex, layered – and rooted in communities themselves.

At the heart of that system sit parish and town councils. Nearly 100,000 councillors across 10,000 councils, invest more than £2bn each year in the places they serve. As a parish councillor myself in the North West of England and chair of the National Association of Local Councils (Nalc), I see first hand the impact this hyperlocal tier of government makes – and its potential if fully embraced and realised.

That is why Nalc has been closely engaged with the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. Its ambition – to deliver simpler, faster and more consistent devolution – is understandable. Local government in England does need to change. And the first tier of local government must be part of that renewal.

Many amendments aimed at recognising and cementing parish and town councils within this new framework are welcome, particularly regarding neighbourhood governance, which is why Nalc has strongly supported them. But government resistance to going further risks missing a crucial opportunity. If devolution is to work, it must work all the way down. This matters more than ever. Fewer unitary authorities will mean fewer elected representatives. Parish and town councils can and should help bridge that democratic gap – but only if they are properly recognised, resourced and empowered.

That requires growth in both number and scale, backed by targeted investment from local and strategic authorities as well as national government. It requires parish and town councils to be at the heart of any neighbourhood arrangements, meaning both area working of unitary authorities and the default model for neighbourhood governance structures.

And it also requires smarter devolution. Too often, power is transferred in the guise of assets and responsibilities – but without the funding or support needed to sustain them. A more balanced approach is needed, one that values the long-term social, environmental and economic benefits of community ownership that parish and town councils provide. And a genuine resetting and rewiring of relations between the tiers of local government.

It also means strengthening local democracy itself. Parish and town councils need the tools to be more inclusive, representative and open, building upon ways they already involve and engage communities and by embracing new approaches to participation, such as community assemblies and participatory budgeting. A greater focus on capacity building and training is also required.

Too often, power is transferred in the guise of assets and responsibilities — but without the funding or support needed to sustain them

Devolution will only succeed if it works at every level. The question now is whether this moment will be seized, to fully recognise and resource that potential, or whether the gap between communities and decision making will grow wider still.

The English Devolution Bill is not the only test. The Representation of the People Bill now before the Commons could also be a game-changer – widening participation, diversifying candidates and revitalising grassroots democracy. But its promise will only be realised through practical reform: simpler nominations, digital tools, remote meetings, fairer election costs and stronger support for those hyperlocal heroes who step to serve. The upcoming King’s Speech is also a chance to bring forward other legislation needed to enhance and empower local democracy further, such as strengthening the standards regime. 

At Nalc, we will continue working with parliamentarians to ensure parish and town councils are not an afterthought – but strive to reach their potential and are the foundation of England’s democratic future. 

Cllr Iain Hamilton is chair of the National Association of Local Councils