WIREDGOV

We welcome the new powers to create new parish and town councils announced by Local Government Minister John Healey. We also welcome the continued commitment by Government to devolve more power and decision making to councils.

The findings and recommendations of our inquiry 'Strengthening the role of local councillors' made a powerful case for government to extend more trust and responsibility to local parish and town councils, particularly Quality Parish Councils.

A strengthened parish and town council tier will encourage greater connections between people and their local authorities.

We want to work with central and local government to take our recommendations forward, particularly the Councillors Commission which will reconvene later in the year to review progress and next steps on improving the role of locally elected councillors.