Grassroots Power: The Role of Town & Parish Councils in a Changing Landscape

In this episode of The Truth About Local Government, we speak with Dr. Thomas Foreman, former Chief Executive and Town Clerk at Thorpe St Andrew Town Council and now a consultant supporting local government and regulators across England and Wales.With Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) reshaping the landscape, we explore the evolving role of Town and Parish Councils. Drawing on his frontline experience and consultancy insights, Thomas shares how these councils are responding to change, the challenges they face, and the opportunities emerging from reorganisation.We discuss how grassroots councils can maintain democratic engagement, build capacity, and influence outcomes in a shifting system—and why their role is more vital than ever in the future of local governance.