Parish and Town Councils Consider Closer Working as Cluster Discussions Continue
Parish and town councils across the River Dart area met this week for the latest in a series of cluster discussions focused on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), devolution, and the future delivery of local services.
Representatives from Totnes, Dartington, Staverton, Berry Pomeroy and Broadhempston attended the meeting, with apologies received from Rattery, Ashprington, Stoke Gabriel, Harberton, Marldon and Littlehempston.
The meeting provided an opportunity to share updates, discuss emerging challenges, and consider how local councils can work more closely together in response to significant changes ahead for local government structures and service delivery.
Developing a more structured approach
A key theme from the discussion was the value of moving from an informal network towards a more structured cluster arrangement.
Councils recognised the importance of maintaining flexibility and avoiding unnecessary bureaucracy, while also establishing a clearer framework for collaboration, shared information, and joint working where appropriate.
There was broad agreement that a more formalised Clerk and Councillor Cluster Group should be developed, with regular meetings held both online and in person.
Next steps for councils
Parish councils are now being asked to consider whether they wish to formally opt in to the cluster arrangement at this stage.
For those choosing to participate, councils are invited to nominate one or two councillor representatives to attend future meetings, alongside clerks where capacity allows.
It was emphasised that opting in at this stage does not commit councils to any financial or service delivery decisions. Instead, it enables participation in discussions exploring future opportunities for collaboration and shared working.
Councils that choose not to formally join at this stage will continue to receive relevant updates, and may join the cluster at a later date.
Why collaboration matters
Discussions highlighted learning from other areas of the country already further ahead in the LGR process, where early collaboration between local councils has helped strengthen resilience and preparedness.
With potential changes to responsibilities and service delivery ahead, attendees agreed that early engagement will be important in ensuring that local councils are able to respond effectively and maintain influence over decisions affecting their communities.
Areas identified for potential future collaboration included shared approaches to:
- Community infrastructure and service delivery
- Local transport and highways issues
- Public realm maintenance
- Youth and community services
- Emergency planning and specialist support
- Joint procurement and shared resources
Communicating with residents
Members also discussed the importance of clear and consistent communication with residents.
Ideas raised included the development of shared briefing materials, joint surveys on local priorities, and improved coordination of public information to ensure communities are kept informed throughout the LGR process.
A shared online presence or information hub for the cluster area was also suggested, alongside the possibility of a common visual identity to help residents recognise collaborative working between councils.
Looking ahead
While the future structure of local government in Devon remains uncertain, there was a shared view that early, constructive collaboration between parish and town councils offers an opportunity to strengthen local voice and improve preparedness.
Participants emphasised the importance of maintaining a practical, community-focused approach, ensuring that local government remains responsive to the needs of residents during a period of change
Further meetings have been planned over the coming months, and we will keep updating the public with developments.