House of Lords back key amendment to strengthen parish governance

The House of Lords has delivered an important moment for parish and town councils, backing an amendment to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill that places neighbourhood governance firmly in the spotlight.

Amendment 214, supported by the National Association of Local Councils (NALC), was agreed by 257 votes to 180. It would require the Secretary of State to produce a national strategy for parish governance, including guidance to help principal authorities identify where new parish and town councils should be created and how they can be effectively supported.

While the bill is still progressing through Parliament, this vote sends a clear signal about the growing recognition of the sector’s role within England’s changing system of local government.

This comes at a pivotal time. Local Government Reorganisation and devolution are reshaping local authorities, with larger unitary councils covering wider areas. While this brings opportunities for strategic decision-making, it also raises concerns about decisions becoming more remote from communities.

During the debate, peers highlighted this risk. Lord Shipley warned of an “upwards drift” in decision-making and stressed the importance of maintaining the local knowledge and democratic connection that parish and town councils provide. Others reinforced that these councils are not optional, but a vital and accessible tier of local democracy.

The government opposed the amendment, arguing that existing community governance review processes already allow for the creation of new councils and that a national strategy could limit local flexibility. However, this was challenged. Baroness Pinnock pointed out that without clearer direction, many principal authorities do not actively pursue new parish arrangements, leading to inconsistency across the country.

For the sector, this reflects a familiar picture. Where parish and town councils exist, they play a central role in representing communities and delivering local priorities. Yet many areas remain unparished, and the process for establishing new councils is often uneven.

The proposed national strategy would aim to address this by providing a clearer and more consistent framework. In the context of devolution, this is particularly important. As powers move from central government to larger authorities, there is an increasing need to ensure that power is also shared locally, with communities themselves having a voice.

The bill will now move to its Third Reading in the House of Lords before returning to the House of Commons, where these amendments will be considered. This next stage will determine whether the proposed approach to strengthening parish governance is taken forward.

What is clear is that parish and town councils are now firmly part of the devolution conversation. As the structure of local government continues to evolve, their role in representing communities and maintaining that direct link between residents and decision-making is only becoming more important.