Local Services Under Pressure: Why Town & Parish Councils Matter More Than Ever

Local authorities across the country are facing serious financial challenges, and our area is no exception. Under the current “fairer funding” model, CBC is £17 million worse off, putting increasing pressure on already stretched services.

At the same time, the wider local government landscape is becoming more turbulent. With ongoing changes across the local government sector, we’re likely to see more services that were once delivered centrally needing support at a town and parish level.

This is where town and parish councils’ step in.

Through precept collections, we’re able to provide direct, visible support to our communities. That could be maintaining local spaces and facilities to funding initiatives that make a real difference to residents’ day-to-day lives.

Every pound raised through the precept stays local and is reinvested locally, helping to protect services and respond quickly to community needs when larger authorities simply don’t have the resources.

Now more than ever, it’s important to understand the vital role town and parish councils play in supporting residents and safeguarding local services in uncertain times.

The full budget can be found STC Budget 2026-27.pdf

#LocalGovernment #TownAndParishCouncils #CommunitySupport #Precept #LocalServices #StrongerCommunities

Published: 29/01/2026 Published by: Stotfold Town Council

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