April 16, 2009
‘PARISH COUNCILS HAVE VITAL ROLE’
PARISH councillors will be told they are a “vital branch of the government family” at a meeting in Rotherham tonight.
Local government minister and Wentworth MP John Healey will speak at the parish councils joint working group, chaired by Cllr Mahroof Hussein, at Rotherham Town Hall.
He will highlight the important role parish councils can have – particularly during the global downturn, as the ‘front line’ in dealing with its impacts and fostering the community spirit which can get us through tough times.
He will tell attendees: “You are the first tier of local government. You are the people who best understand the areas you work with. And you have the power to affect how people feel about where they live.”
The government has extended the wellbeing power which parish councils can use to improve their area – and make quick responses to local challenges.
It is also providing £750,000 to support the creation of new local councils and promote their work.