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Written question asked by Baroness Scott of Needham Market (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 19 July 2022, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 2 August 2022. It was answered by Lord Harrington of Watford (Conservative) on Wednesday, 27 July 2022 on behalf of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Parish and Town Councils: Elections

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to work with the National Association of Local Councils (1) to raise public awareness of parish and town council elections in 2023, and (2) to encourage more people to stand for election to improve the diversity of councillors.

Answer

Elections are essential for good local democracy. Parish and town council elections are delivered by the principal local authorities for their areas, who will communicate with local electorates on forthcoming elections as they consider appropriate. They are supported in this by the independent Electoral Commission, who, as well as running national awareness campaigns, produce resources and materials to improve public understanding of all elections, available for use by local authorities


As part of a forthcoming Review of Neighbourhood Governance announced in the Levelling Up White Paper, we will be reviewing the effectiveness of current neighbourhood governance including parish and town councils. Through the review, we want to make it easier for people to participate and shape the future of their neighbourhoods.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL1937
Session
2022-23
Subjects
Councillors Equality Elections Parish and town councils National Association of Local Councils
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk