Countryside issues are no laughing matter

26 Jun 24

Rural parishes are a lifeline and the closest to their communities in need.

anonymous author - credit - shutterstock-153830195

 

Let’s get the two obvious reference points out of the way before we think about supporting everyone from the vulnerable to multi-million-pound agri-businesses.

In lockdown, the nation rejoiced at exasperated parish council officer Jackie Weaver dealing with a council meeting. Our other reference point in the national psyche is the fictional organisation in The Vicar of Dibley. People think they know what a parish council does, thanks to the media. But the image bears no resemblance to the reality.

Last month, the Financial Times urged readers to get involved in parish councils, arguing that they are a good training ground for future FTSE chief executives. It was very good advice for someone who wants to learn how to get things done, deal with legal issues and meet all kinds of people.

Range

Let’s start with the basics first. Most parish councils and town councils are the same in law. But that’s where it ends. There’s an incredible diversity in the size of organisations, communities they represent, the work they do and the people that represent them.

We’re a diverse bunch of people – both officers and political representatives. But more importantly, we’re the first tier of local government. In rural communities, that means we’re a crucial contact for people who don’t have a huge voice. And on issues like broadband access, that voice is limited by both speed and influence.

It’s not just the ‘parish pump’ issues, as commentators dare to claim. If an issue is of concern, it comes to our door. Yes, planning is the biggest driver of contacts, and, although it’s not our decision, we are the voice that speaks up.

Who’s who?

It’s incorrect to describe our councillors as ‘volunteers’. It’s a very divisive word. People do give of their time but they may have an allowance, except in Wales.

Elected members range from tree surgeons to international company executives. And there’s strength in numbers – there are 5,000 clerks working in England and Wales. The Society of Local Council Clerks rightly points out that councils understand the benefit of having a clerk who is trained, fully briefed on current issues within the sector and able to access accurate advice quickly. The daily in-tray demands it.

Having a small number of constituents has another benefit – we’re very visible and accessible. A councillor is usually a neighbour – an excellent aide to transparency. This means we can move quickly, find hard-to-reach people and raise concerns earlier. The work during Covid-19 to support vulnerable people has been going on for generations.

Lifesavers

Nobody is going to get rich on it. But we get things done. There are so many examples of direct action. Getting defibrillators installed in hard-to-reach places is literally being a lifesaver, as well as reducing costs to the NHS.

If you want to see democracy in action and making a real difference in people’s lives, then a parish council is a good place to start.

Yes, we do organise events for villages. And, yes, clerks are quite important. But we’re about the communities we serve and they are far more interesting and complex than people realise, no matter how small.

Image credit | Shutterstock

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