‘Democracy within walking distance’: Strengthening local governance

As England moves towards a universal tier of unitary authorities, the principle of ‘democracy within walking distance’ has never been more important. The Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) champions this concept as the key to effective local governance. This blog explores why it matters and how it can transform communities.

We’ve published a top ten checklist for areas embarking on local government reorganisation to promote the development of town, parish and community councils in unparished areas to secure ultra-local services and galvanise grass roots democracy.

What is ‘Democracy Within Walking Distance’?

When local councils are within easy reach, they become an essential part of people’s lives, fostering stronger connections between government and the public. It is, quite literally, about bringing democracy closer to home. It enables residents to engage with governance, voice concerns, and influence decisions affecting their lives. Bringing democracy closer strengthens community involvement and makes governance more responsive.

Why Local Councils Matter

Stronger community engagement – When residents can easily reach their council, participation increases. This creates a sense of ownership over local issues and ensures policies reflect community needs. People are more likely to attend meetings, provide feedback, and collaborate on projects that improve their neighbourhoods.

Preserving local identity – Councils protect cultural and historical heritage by managing local assets and services. Local governance ensures that traditions and historical landmarks are maintained, giving communities a sense of continuity and pride.

Local services – Local councils are embedded in their communities, accessible and recognisable. They can tailor services like leisure, parks, markets, and children’s play areas to meet local demands. They can react quickly to local concerns and implement changes that make a direct impact on residents’ lives.

Local accountability – Proximity to governance means representatives are more accessible. Direct interaction builds trust, encourages transparency, and ensures concerns are addressed quickly. Residents can personally engage with councillors and staff, creating a governance model that is both open and responsive.

Empowering communities – Local councils give residents control over their area’s future. Empowered communities are more resilient, innovative, and equipped to handle challenges. When people feel that their voices matter, they become more invested in civic life and local developments.

Supporting unitary authorities – Local councils can be partners in joining up communities with their larger governing bodies. Their insights help unitary authorities make informed decisions and improve service delivery. By acting as a liaison between residents and higher levels of government, local councils can ensure that policy decisions consider grassroots concerns.

The Role of SLCC

SLCC is the professional body for local council practitioners.  Our members come from diverse backgrounds.  Many have previously worked at all levels in principal councils. Our members have a vast amount of experience and can provide guidance on creating new parish councils. We offer expert briefings, best-practice advice, and peer visit opportunities to ensure successful local governance transitions. Our extensive knowledge and resources can assist local government professionals with the tools they need to establish and maintain strong community councils.

Good local council clerks reflect the communities they work in and can marshal the delivery of services to reflect local identities and ultra-local priorities. They understand the statutory constraints on local councils and enable them to deliver effectively within their powers and responsibilities.

It is the experience and examples of good clerks, who have been at the forefront of creating effective local councils in previous waves of reorganisation that we have distilled into a checklist for anyone embarking on the creation of a new parish council.

Key Steps to Establishing New Local Councils

1. Start now
   Avoid delays and begin a Community Governance Review (CGR) before the shadow unitary council forms. Secure funding early for long-term stability. Proactive planning ensures a smooth transition and prevents issues that could hinder the new council’s establishment.
2. Define and communicate the council’s role
   Gain public support by highlighting benefits like holding agencies accountable and preserving local services. Educating residents about the advantages of a local council fosters buy-in and participation.
3. Secure local assets and services
   Identify key assets—parks, play areas, community buildings—and ensure they remain under local control. Keeping these assets managed at a local level ensures that decisions about their use and upkeep are made with the community’s best interests in mind.
4. Set a sustainable budget
   Avoid underfunding. Use benchmarks from thriving councils to ensure financial stability. A well-funded council can provide high-quality services and sustain operations effectively.
5. Learn from success stories
   Follow examples like Shrewsbury and Salisbury, which effectively manage local services and drive community growth. Studying successful councils provides valuable insights into best practices and strategies for effective governance.
6. Appoint an interim officer
   Expert guidance is crucial. SLCC offer experienced professionals to support shadow councils. An interim officer with extensive knowledge can help navigate challenges and ensure a smooth launch.
7. Hire a skilled chief officer
   Leadership matters. Offer competitive salaries to attract top talent and invest in professional development. A strong chief officer can drive progress, implement policies efficiently, and manage council operations effectively.
8. Form a shadow council
   Prepare for a smooth transition by forming a shadow council of principal councillors and securing initial funding. A shadow council helps lay the groundwork for a new governing body, setting policies and priorities in advance.
9. Create an executive committee
   Delegate operational details—IT, finance, staffing—to an executive committee with governance support from SLCC. This ensures that administrative aspects of the council are effectively managed, preventing delays and inefficiencies.
10. Transition to a town council
    Start as a parish council and convert to a town or city council post-election. Preserve historic status and civic identity. This step solidifies the council’s role and ensures its long-term sustainability.

Additional Considerations for Local Councils

Beyond these essential steps, successful councils must also engage with their communities continuously. Hosting public meetings, creating digital communication channels, and implementing feedback mechanisms help strengthen relationships between residents and local government. Ensuring that community governance remains participatory and inclusive is crucial for its sustained success.

Councils should also prioritise sustainability and long-term planning. This includes securing additional funding sources, forging partnerships with local businesses and voluntary groups, and advocating for policies that benefit their communities. A forward-thinking approach will help councils thrive and adapt to changing needs over time.

Conclusion

The shift to unitary authorities presents a major opportunity to enhance ultra-local democracy. By embracing ‘democracy within walking distance,’ communities can secure direct representation and local empowerment. Now is the time for local government leaders and professionals to act and ensure local councils are set up for success.

For expert guidance, visit SLCC’s website. Strong local governance benefits everyone, ensuring that communities remain engaged, resilient, and well-represented in the evolving political landscape.

Michael King is the SLCC Head of Policy and External Communications.  He has held head of service roles in district and unitary authorities and been town clerk to two local councils in England.