Standard Response To Settle Parish Rows

摘要

The Local Government Act 1894 saw the creation of the civil parish as a basic building block of local government. At that time, they were based in volunteering and the cult of the amateur with many specific powers but few duties. Their statutory basis remained virtually unchanged for some 100 years, but now they are enjoying a significant renaissance. At the NALC conference on 21 May 2008, local communities secretary, Hazel Blears, heralded a new era of 'parish power', and talked of celebrating 'the power of the parishes'. Similarly, Tory leader, David Cameron, has referred to parishes as entities which should be 'celebrated and nurtured'. Town and parish councils' role as fundamental building blocks in local governance has clearly been reaffirmed and their potential significantly enhanced, with the power of wellbeing now extended to quality parishes. Recent legislation has enabled the creation of new parishes, including urban parishes, as they are perceived as an ideal and ready-made model of community governance. The Government has also just announced funding to support the creation of 'urban parishes' through a partnership between NALC, SLCC and the LGA. At least one London borough is considering creating neighbourhood councils in its area. But, with power comes responsibility, and it is essential that, if town and parish councils are to embrace the new challenges and opportunities offered to them, they must ensure they have, in place, clear and robust governance arrangements and a firmly routed culture of high ethical behaviour.