Ludlow Town Council is reassuring residents of its firm commitment to protecting strong, local, democratic representation as the Government progresses its English Devolution and Community Empowerment (EDCE) Bill.

The Bill introduces a new legal duty for all local authorities to create “effective neighbourhood governance” structures. However, the Government has also indicated that councils should have ways of working with neighbourhoods “so they are not relying on town and parish councils to do it.” This means that, for the first time, parish and town councils may not automatically be recognised as the primary local governance bodies.

At present, the Secretary of State has the power to define neighbourhood areas and set criteria for how these new structures will operate, but no definitions or guidance have yet been published. This uncertainty raises important questions about how existing parish and town councils—long‑established, democratically elected, and deeply rooted in their communities—will fit into the new framework.

At its recent meeting, Ludlow Town Council agreed a clear and proactive position. The Council believes that:

• Parish and town councils must play a central and influential role in any new neighbourhood governance system, reflecting their democratic mandate and close connection to local people.
• Any new structures should complement—not duplicate or sideline—the work of existing councils.
• Clear national guidance is essential to avoid confusion, overlap, or the weakening of local accountability.
• Parish and town councils should be fully included in any neighbourhood governance arrangements created in their area.

To ensure Ludlow’s voice is heard as national policy develops, the Council has resolved to:

• Write to the local Member of Parliament, asking them to press the Secretary of State for clarity and to ensure parish and town councils are recognised as key partners in the new system.
• Engage with Shropshire Council, emphasising the expectation that parish and town councils are meaningfully involved in shaping local responses to the new duty.
• Keep residents informed, reaffirming the Council’s commitment to transparent, local, democratic representation.

A spokesperson for Ludlow Town Council said: "Parish and town councils are the closest and most accessible level of democracy. We are rooted in our communities, we listen to our residents, and we act every day to deliver what matters locally. As national reforms progress, we will firmly champion the role of strong, accountable local representation—ensuring that Ludlow’s voice is heard at every level of decision-making".

Ludlow Town Council will provide further updates as more information becomes available from Government.