ADSO urges ministers to provide clarity on proposed new “neighbourhood governance” obligations

The Association of Democratic Services Officers (ADSO) has welcomed plans to introduce new "neighbourhood governance" obligations in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, but asked for more clarity on the reforms.

Details: 24.Jul.2025

In a letter to the Secretary of State for Local Government, Angela Rayner, the professional body - which represents democratic services officers and governance practitioners in local authorities - requested more information on the obligations "in terms of structures, processes, timescales, and resource commitments".

ADSO also said it hoped that the Government would address reforms concerning remote and hybrid council meetings and proxy voting "in due course".

The bill - published earlier this month - set out plans to introduce a new "neighbourhood governance structure" that will require councils to establish effective neighbourhood governance.

The Government said the new approach to governance would move decision making closer to residents and provide opportunities to organise public services to meet local needs better.

It said that more detail on the obligations will be set out in regulations, which will be published ahead of the bill coming into force.

Whitehall plans to conduct a review - which will involve speaking to the sector - on the best way to achieve its governance aims.

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The bill also set out provisions to abolish the committee system of governance, among other reforms.

In its letter, ADSO said it looked forward to further clarity on what the new obligations for neighbourhood governance will entail in practice.

"It would be helpful to understand the expectations on local authorities in terms of structures, processes, timescales, and resource commitments, as well as how these new requirements will align with existing arrangements such as town and parish councils, neighbourhood forums, and other place-based initiatives," the body said.

It also noted that governance professionals will need the right tools, support and time to enable genuine participation and build relationships with communities at the neighbourhood level.

It continued: "We would suggest that the greatest impact for local communities will be achieved where Government is clear on the outcomes it wishes to see from enhanced neighbourhood working — such as increased participation, improved trust, and more responsive services — while leaving local authorities and partners with the flexibility to determine the most appropriate structures to deliver those outcomes.

"Many councils already have strong examples of community-based governance and engagement models, and ADSO would welcome the opportunity to work with Government to collate and share these, as well as to contribute to the development of any accompanying guidance or frameworks."

Elsewhere, the letter raised concern that the bill does not address reform of the local government standards regime, timeframes for the introduction of remote and hybrid council meetings or the provision of proxy voting at council meetings.

"We hope these matters will be addressed in due course and look forward to contributing to future discussions as they are brought forward," it said.

Adam Carey