Establishing a New Local Council

The government’s proposal to create unitary authorities offers a unique opportunity to enhance local democracy and enhance ultra-local representation. Local councils can serve as effective community partners to unitary authorities, ensuring that community voices remain strong and influential.

The Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) has over 25 years of experience in guiding the creation of new parish councils under unitary structures. Our advisory service has first-hand experience with virtually all unitary creations in the last 20 years. We have seen town councils flourish and become effective place shapers.

We offer briefings to cabinets, executive committees, and senior managers, and have developed comprehensive top tips for creating effective new town councils, backed by powerful ‘how to’ knowledge. Additionally, we can arrange peer visits to showcase the best examples in our sector.
We strongly support the government’s vision for a more devolved system which delivers democracy within walking distance. We are eager to assist in this transition. By following our ten-point plan, you can ensure robust, community-level governance that maintains local empowerment and addresses democratic challenges.