Parish and town councils should have “meaningful representation” in strategic decision-making and local growth plans: NALC

Responding to the Public Accounts Committee’s inquiry on devolving power in England, the Association said that parish and town councils should have “meaningful representation” in strategic decision-making, local growth plans, investment programmes, partnership boards, scrutiny arrangements and neighbourhood governance.

Meanwhile, it warned that devolution must ensure “resources follow responsibilities”.

NALC said: “Where services and functions are transferred between different tiers of local government, sufficient funding must accompany them. […] Failing to do so risks duplication, cost-shunting, declining services and ultimately poorer value for money for residents.”

The response also called for communities to have greater influence over how public money is spent.

The Association highlighted approaches such as participatory budgeting, direct funding opportunities and greater involvement of parish and town councils in local service delivery, as ways to strengthen community influence and improve long-term value for money.

The response concluded that a stronger first tier of local government should be an “integral” part of devolution.

NALC said: “Giving parish and town councils the resources, representation and opportunities they need to contribute would strengthen accountability and help ensure devolved public spending delivers better outcomes for communities.”

Lottie Winson