We would like the ability to request the option of new civil parishes covering a local area via referendum. And the right of new and existing parish and town councils to ‘pull down’ powers from upper tier and unitary councils.

We think this legislation should be included in the future English Devolution Bill. Although progress has been made in some areas, especially since the Localism Act 2011 and also with the rise of regional mayors, we believe UK governance remains overly centralised. Localisation of further powers and assets to towns and rural areas across England could mean that areas that know their needs best can have full control of these, tailoring services accordingly. A double devolution or power - regional and very local - meaning more resilient communities.