The Resurgence of Parish Council Powers in England

Parish councils are often underappreciated and undervalued in what they do even though they are an essential part of the governing of England today. In spite of this, the number of parish councils and the roles they perform are increasing. This book explores the reasons for this apparent resurgence in parish councils. Some of it is a response to local demand, especially with the impact of austerity on local government as a whole. At the same time, austerity measures have seen moves to much larger units of local government. Again, the demand for a more local tier of government has resulted in the creation of new parish councils. There is a huge caveat and this is in relation to capacity. Do these new councils have the capacity to deliver the services demanded of them?

Chapter 1: Introduction: What is a Parish Council?

Introduction

Historical development of parish councils

The geographical spread of parish councils

Research methods

Chapter 2: The drive for more cost-effective local government

Bigger is better: the push for larger units of local government

Austerity: the need to save money

Conclusion

Chapter 3 - The rise of parish councils?

Introduction

Parish plans

Parish precept

Transport

Developing partnerships

Representation

Conclusion

Chapter 4 - An International Comparison

European Charter of Local Self-Government

Portugal

Poland

Jamaica

Trinidad and Tobago

Germany

Sweden

Czech Republic

Conclusion

Chapter 5 - The Issue of Capacity

Introduction

Capacity building

Community capacity building

Leadership

Conclusion

Chapter 6 - Conclusion: A Resurgence in Parish Councils?

Closeness to the Community

The constitutional position revisited

Lesson learning from overseas

Conclusions