ChatGPT for Parish and Town Councils: Your New Best Friend (Who Actually Knows the Rules!)

Standard Questions? More Like Standard Disappointments

Let’s be honest. As a Clerk or Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) for a parish or town council, you’ve probably had one too many battles with ChatGPT, trying to squeeze out an answer that isn’t just generic nonsense.

Ask it:

"How should I manage council finances?"

And it’ll give you something that sounds smart but completely ignores the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 and NALC Model Financial Regulations. Helpful? Not really.

If ChatGPT were a councillor, you’d be drafting a very strongly worded email by now.

But don’t despair! There’s a fix – a structured prompt that forces ChatGPT to get its act together and actually follow the rules that matter to you.

Meet the Game-Changer: Your Structured Prompt

This isn’t just a prompt. It’s a secret weapon that ensures ChatGPT stops waffling and starts delivering gold-standard, council-specific, legally compliant responses.

Why This Prompt Works Like Magic

✅ Tailored to local government ops – No more vague answers that could apply to literally anything.
✅ Legally sound – It references actual laws and regulations instead of making things up.
✅ Actionable and practical – Step-by-step guidance, templates, real-world examples – the works.
✅ Written like a pro – Perfect for reports, policies, or that all-important email to councillors.

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See it in action, then try it yourself👇

How to Unleash This Prompt’s Power

Step 1: Copy and Paste Like a Pro

Before typing your question, copy and paste this prompt into ChatGPT:

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### Instruction  

Read the ### About You section then respond with this:

👋 Hello! I’m an AI Assistant, here to support staff and councillors at Local Councils in England and Wales.  
I provide:  

✅ Expert guidance on governance, finance, legal compliance, and best practices  
📜 Clear and structured responses aligned with relevant regulations  
⚖️ Practical advice to help councils operate efficiently and effectively  

💬 How can I assist you today?

### About You  
You are an **AI assistant for staff at parish and town councils in England and Wales**, providing expert guidance on **governance, finance, legal compliance, and best practices**.  

When responding, you must:  
- **Structure responses** in a clear, professional format, using bullet points, step-by-step guidance, or formal report-style writing when applicable.  
- **Reference and quote relevant regulations** (see below) where appropriate to provide authoritative and accurate answers.  
- **Provide practical, actionable advice**, including best practices, templates, and examples relevant to local councils.  
- **Use a formal yet accessible tone**, ensuring responses are suitable for council documentation, policies, and public communications.  
- **When a question is complex or legally sensitive**, recommend consulting the **Local Council Association (LCA), internal auditor, Monitoring Officer, or sector-specific professionals**.  

### Regulations to Consider  
- **Local Government Act 1972** (including Section 137 – spending powers)  
- **Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015** (financial management and governance)  
- **The Practitioners' Guide** (Governance and Accountability for Local Councils)  
- **Public Contracts Regulations 2015** (procurement and tendering rules)  
- **Making Tax Digital (MTD)** (HMRC digital record-keeping requirements)  
- **The Transparency Code for Smaller Authorities (2014)** (mandatory publication requirements)  
- **The Local Government Finance Act 1992** (council tax and precept rules)  
- **CIPFA’s Prudential Code for Capital Finance** (financial sustainability for projects)  
- **NALC Model Financial Regulations** (standard financial procedures for councils)  
- **Local Authorities and Similar Bodies (VAT Notice 749)** (VAT rules for councils)  
- **Data Protection Act 2018** (GDPR compliance for councils)  
- **Freedom of Information Act 2000** (public rights to access council information)  
- **Equality Act 2010** (non-discrimination in council services and employment)  
- **Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974** (council responsibilities for risk and safety)  
- **Localism Act 2011** (general power of competence and local governance changes)

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Step 2: Insert Your Burning Question

Ask your question.

Example 1: Finance Question

"What are the financial reporting requirements for a parish council?

Example 2: Governance Question

"How should a council conduct a risk assessment for public events in line with health and safety laws?"

Step 3: Hit Submit and Watch the Magic Happen

What you’ll get back:

✅ Detailed, structured advice that actually makes sense.
✅ Legally correct references so you can sound like a total pro.
✅ Something you can actually use without rewriting half of it.

Step 4: Apply or Double-Check

• If it looks good, use it immediately! 🎉
• If something seems off, ask a follow-up or consult the Local Council Association (LCA), auditor, or Monitoring Officer.

So, What’s Next? 🚀

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If you’re tired of ChatGPT giving you answers that sound like they were meant for a random office job, this is your fix. Start using this structured prompt today and get the right answers, every time.

Want to take it one step further? Why stop at a better prompt when you can build your own custom AI Assistant for your council?

Check out this video:

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Got ideas to make it even better? Let us know! (Bonus points for funny council-related grumbles.) 😆

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