Letter: Parish the thought

From Mr Paul Claydon

Sir: You mentioned briefly in your leader of 18 October ("The dream of Gummerius") that parish councils were being given some more powers in the area of community transport.

In fact, the Rural White Paper goes much farther. It provides a clear endorsement of the importance of parish councils in representing local communities and contains a firm promise to develop their role in responding to the needs and priorities of local people. For too long parish councils have been a neglected tier of local government. A recognition of their worth and potential by central government is long overdue. The association, as the representative body for parish councils in England (and community councils in Wales), will seek to ensure that the Government keeps its promise.

Yours faithfully,

Paul Claydon

National Association of

Local Councils

London, WC1