Big changes are coming to local government in England, sparking plenty of debate and curiosity. The latest plans to shake things up include merging district and county councils into shiny new unitary authorities (UAs) and handing elected mayors even more power. Sounds like a recipe for chaos? Maybe not. For parish and town councils, the grassroots heroes of local democracy, this could be the opportunity of a lifetime.

This blog dives into the history of local government reforms, the latest developments, and why local councils are perfectly poised to step up as the ultimate sidekicks to UAs, ensuring local communities don’t get lost in the shuffle. After all, if you want something truly local, who better to ask than the people already doing it?

A Brief History of Local Government Reforms

Think local government is complicated now? It’s nothing compared to its history. Here’s the gist:

• County Councils: Big hitters responsible for social care, education, and transport.
• District Councils: Manage the nitty-gritty stuff like bin collections, planning, and housing.
• Unitary Authorities: One council to rule them all (and do the jobs of counties and districts).
• Parish and Town Councils: The grassroots champs handling hyper-local issues like parks and community events.

In the 1990s, the government decided local governance needed a declutter. Enter UAs, designed to streamline operations. Fast forward:

• In 2019, Dorset said goodbye to six district councils and hello to a unitary model.
• By 2023, North Yorkshire had merged eight districts into one UA, aiming for efficiency and simplicity.

The idea? Less bureaucracy, more action. The reality? It’s a mixed bag, but parish, town and community councils have emerged as critical players.

Latest News: A Major Shake-Up on the Horizon

As we all know, on 16 December 2024, the government announced a new wave of local government reforms. Here’s what’s on the table:

• Bye-Bye District Councils: Two-tier systems are out; unitary models are in.
• Hello, Super Mayors: Elected metro mayors will gain more power, especially over planning and infrastructure.
• Devolution Default: The government wants to simplify governance while unlocking greater local powers.

Critics worry about a loss of local focus, but this could be local councils’ moment to shine. Let’s break it down.

What We Can Learn from Dorset and North Yorkshire

Switching to UAs isn’t a walk in the park, but it’s not all doom and gloom either. Here’s what we’ve learned from places like Dorset and North Yorkshire:

The Good Stuff:

• Streamlined Governance: Dorset cut out duplication, saved money, and created a clearer decision-making structure.
• More Opportunities for Local Councils: North Yorkshire’s UA empowered parish councils to take on bigger roles, making them indispensable.
• Better Funding Access: Bigger councils attract more investment, and local councils can ride the funding wave.

The Sticky Bits:

• Loss of Local Focus: Rural communities sometimes feel left out of UA priorities.
• Harder to Get Heard: Local councils can struggle to engage with larger, more distant UAs.
• Administrative Strain: Smaller councils may need extra resources to handle new responsibilities.

Why Parish and Town Councils Are the Perfect Match for UAs

Imagine local councils as the superheroes of local governance: small but powerful, stepping up to handle grassroots issues that larger councils might miss. Here’s why they play a vital role:

Hyper-Local Focus

Unitary authorities tackle the big stuff—transport, housing, and economic development. Parish and Town councils, on the other hand, are the ultimate champions of local needs, ensuring every resident is cared for. They manage things UAs simply wouldn’t prioritise:

• Creating Community Spaces: Whether it’s sprucing up a tired old playground or turning an abandoned lot into a buzzing community hub, councils are makeover masters. From skate parks and sports fields to allotments and woodland trails, they’re building spaces that bring people together, one kickabout or coffee morning at a time.
• Events and Cultural Projects: Councils throw great parties. Fireworks nights, food festivals, and street feasts—they’ve got it all. And when they’re not planning the next big bash, they’re preserving local history, creating public art, or lighting up the town with Christmas magic.
• Memorial Spaces: Even in the quiet corners of life, councils are keeping cemeteries beautiful, planting memorial trees, and preserving gravestones with more history than your average Netflix series. Peaceful, respectful, and quietly impressive.
• Youth Engagement: Councils know that the future’s in good hands as long as those hands stay off their phones for five minutes. From skate parks and football tournaments to coding clubs and youth councils, they’re giving young people the tools to shape the world (or at least the community).
• Supporting Local Economy: Forget the big chains; councils are all about keeping it local. Think farmers’ markets with fresh bread that smells like happiness, shop-local campaigns that save the high street, and clever projects that give small businesses a chance to shine.
• Climate and Environmental Action: Councils might not wear capes, but they’re tackling climate change like superheroes. They’re planting wildflowers for the bees, prepping for floods, and championing renewable energy.
• Health and Well-Being: Need a boost for your body or soul? Councils have you covered with outdoor gyms, walking trails, and yoga in the village hall.
• Supporting Vulnerable Residents: Councils are the unsung heroes when things get tough. From warm banks and community fridges to volunteer networks, they’re looking out for the people who need it most.
• Emergency Response and Resilience: When disaster strikes, councils are ready. Sandbags? Sorted. Defibrillators? Installed. They’ve got plans for floods, snowstorms, and everything in between.
• Innovative Community-Led Housing: Councils are tackling the housing crisis with creativity and heart. Affordable homes? Check. Eco-friendly living? Double check.
• Digital Inclusion: Councils ensure everyone’s got a ticket to the digital party. Free Wi-Fi, tech workshops, and coding clubs are just the start.

Delegation Champs

As UAs take on broader roles, they’ll need reliable partners to manage localised services. Enter local councils, ready to:

• Maintain parks, community halls, and public spaces.
• Oversee neighborhood planning and small-scale development.
• Run local initiatives, from events, mental health support workshops to community gardens.

Proven Track Record

In Dorset and North Yorkshire, parish and town councils have already shown they can step up when given more responsibilities. Their ability to adapt and deliver makes them a safe bet for even bigger roles.

True Devolution Heroes

While UAs may seem like a centralising force, local councils ensure real devolution reaches the grassroots level. They’re the glue keeping communities connected to local governance.

Opportunities for Local Councils in the New Landscape

With great change comes great opportunity. Here’s what local councils can look forward to:

• Greater Autonomy: With districts out of the picture, local countils can take on responsibilities like managing local assets or enforcing community-focused planning.
• Funding Bonanza: UAs’ bigger budgets could mean more grants and resources for parish-led projects.
• Collaboration with Mayors: Building relationships with metro mayors could unlock funding and influence for rural and small-town communities.
• Stronger Community Identity: As UAs grow geographically, local councils can ensure each community retains its unique character.

Addressing the Challenges

Local councils will undoubtedly face hurdles, but with proactive strategies, these challenges can become opportunities:

• Capacity Boost: Invest in training and staffing to handle new responsibilities with confidence.
• Proactive Partnerships: Forge strong relationships with UAs and mayors to stay in the loop.
• Show Your Worth: Highlight the value of parish and town councils to residents and stakeholders through visible, impactful projects.

Conclusion

Sure, the move to unitary authorities might seem like a seismic shift, but parish and town councils are the steady ground beneath it all. By stepping up as UAs’ perfect partners, they can ensure local democracy thrives and communities stay front and center.

So, here’s the rallying cry: Parish and Town Councils, this is your time! You already do the things that truly matter, from festivals to flood preparedness, walking trails to warm banks. Embrace the change, champion your communities, and remind everyone why you’re the heart and soul of local governance. The future of local democracy starts with you.