Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to encourage people to stand for election to parish and town councils in May 2021; and what financial support they are providing (1) to the Local Government Association, and (2) to the National Association of Local Councils, to support initiatives to encourage people to stand for election at the local elections in May 2021.

The Government continues to provide funding to the Local Government Association to support sector improvements in a wide range of areas including improving local leadership and resilience. As the Government does not have powers to offer direct financial support to parish and town councils, they are not eligible for this support. However, the Government continues to encourage local government at all levels to work to encourage greater participation in our democracy.