From countryside to County Hall: New roles created to improve the link between county and local councils

NEWS RELEASE

A significant investment has been made into the relationship between Norfolk County Council and the rest of the county with £160,000 committed over the next 2 years.

The county council have funded the Norfolk Association of Local Councils (Norfolk ALC) to employ two members of staff who will be dedicated to improving the link between the county council and Norfolk's town and parish councils.

Margaret Dewsbury, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships at Norfolk County council said:

"Each local council is essential to the community they serve, and we want to make sure that their voice is heard. Our overall strategy is called 'Better Together, for Norfolk' and this is a great example of those words in action. We look forward to an even closer working relationship with councillors at every level of local government."

The new roles will help local councils stay up to date on key initiatives and policies that affect them, while ensuring that local voices are heard at a county level. They will also work to raise the profile of Parish Councils across Norfolk and the work they do for their communities.

Jeremy Burton, County Officer for the Norfolk Association of Local Councils said :

"Local councils at different levels will naturally talk to each other throughout the year, so this is about making sure it happens more effectively. We can also use this as an opportunity to help parish and town councils talk to each other. We know that they will share common goals and common challenges so each council can learn from each other."

The funding will also aim to help local councils build their skills and get access to the right information. That might include help with developing a parish plan, writing a funding bid, or reaching a wider demographic in their area.

This help will be in addition to the support the Norfolk ALC already provides which has seen a range of initiatives co-ordinating the Parish and Town Councils in Norfolk.

Anyone interested in knowing more about the support available via the Norfolk Association of Local Councils can visit their website which holds information, advice and training on a wide range of subjects.

ENDS

About the Norfolk Association of Local Councils

Norfolk Association of Local Councils is a Co-Operative not for profit membership association of parish and town councils. It works closely with the National Association of Local Councils (NALC).

Norfolk ALC provides specialist information, advice and training to parish and town councils. It represents members' interests through the National body to government and works in partnership with a county network of District, Borough, County Councils and other public service providers.

For political comment
For details of cabinet members, committee chairs and agendas, please see: www.norfolk.gov.uk/cabinetandchairs
Group leaders' and councillors' contact details are available at: www.norfolk.gov.uk/countycouncillors

For further information please contact:
Communications Team at Norfolk County Council
Tel: 01603 228888
Email: pressoffice@norfolk.gov.uk