Could parish councils save the big society dream?
Typically thought provoking article from James Derounian, leading thinker and all round good bloke, on Parish and Local Councils. In this article he argues:
A benefit of the localism bill, currently wending its way through parliament, is the fact that those parish councils meeting basic eligibility criteria will be able to exercise a general power of competence – to do anything that’s not illegal. This will simplify the capability of councils to act for their constituents. If you look around England you see parish and town councils funding badly needed affordable house building; community-run shops and buses; and in some cases they employ community development staff to support local groups and initiatives.
He goes on to signal a significant change in the political focus of Councils
A further issue for parish councils is the fact that traditionally independent councillors are giving way to a new wave of those elected on a party ticket. As Didcot’s town clerk, Dom Stapleton, showed in a 2011 study for the University of Gloucestershire, “in 1991, 10% of councils had members who declared a political affiliation. In 2011 the figure stands at 48%”. This raises concerns about local politicians who may be self-serving and put party above community.
Does this chime with your experience? and is it a good or bad thing per se. Part of me thinks the issues currently at the top of the Parish Council agenda are more likely to be about common sense and sadly although in many cases mundanity and provide less scope for high politics – I have even noticed this personally in terms of many District and even County issues. Some people however can make anything political!
What do you think?