Blears boosts urban parish councils

Hazel Blears has announced £750,000 to support the establishment of a new breed of urban parish councils.
The communities and local government secretary announced that the money will be allocated to the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) to help community groups set up new town and parish councils, particularly in urban areas.

Changes announced in February make it easier for local authorities to set up parish councils without seeking government approval, while recent legislation means that it is possible to set up such bodies in London for the first time in 45 years.

The money will also be used to help local councils become accredited under the Quality Parish and Town Council scheme.

Ms Blears said: "While parish councils have been particularly popular and effective in representing local people's views in rural areas, I would now like to see this success repeated in our towns and cities."

NALC will work with organisations including the Local Government Association, the Society of Local Council Clerks and the Participatory Budgeting Unit.

It will also develop new good practice guidance on devolving decision-making, a revitalised National Training Strategy for town and parish councillors and help for councillors to encourage greater community involvement.

Author: David Blackman.