01.05.18
NALC to reinvent parish authorities after Brexit
Ten thousand English community councils will undergo a “new vision” for the sector following Britain’s departure from the European Union, with the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) to consider proposals at the trade body’s annual conference this autumn.
The national parishes body will assess where the sector is now and how it will need to change to ensure communities feel more empowered and have a better say over their area in the future.
This assessment is part of a larger plan to use the ongoing discussion of Brexit, devolution, financial challenges facing local government and the already shifting role of community councils in delivering local services, allowing them to “embark on a landmark stock take” on the state of parish councils in post-Brexit Britain.
Cllr Sue Baxter, chairman of NALC, said: “It is NALC’s contention that community councils can do more, and do more consistently. And it is vital that they do so to help the country emerge from the Brexit changes and build a new local democracy putting communities in control.
“The time is right for us to revisit what grassroots, community councils are for and start a big, radical conversation about our future and potential. I want to see as many people and organisations as possible in the sector and beyond getting involved in this important conversation, especially county associations, councils, councillors and council staff.
“The conclusions of this stock take will inform NALC’s strategic plan and shape the support that we and are our partner county associations provide to the sector in the future.”
Go to nalc.gov.uk to find out more about the autumn conference.
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