A conference to raise awareness of the national and local issues affecting parish and town councils has been organised by the Isle of Wight Council.

On Thursday 4th September members of parish and town councils from across the Island, together with parish delegates and representatives from local authorities from the mainland will gather at Gurnard Pines for a one-day conference entitled “Power to the Parishes 2008”.

Organised by the council’s parish and community development team, the conference includes interactive workshops and question and answer sessions involving keynote speakers.

The three facilitated workshops are entitled Bridging the Gap, Pushing the Boundaries and Making a Difference. They are each designed to get delegates thinking about the issues affecting their parish or town council or community and to explore ways of moving forward effectively.

The conference has attracted guest speakers from a local and national level.

Speakers include Ken Cleary MBE, Chairman of the National Association of Local Councils who will give a talk on the future of the sector; Nick Randle, the Chief Executive of the Society of Local Clerks will talk about building excellence in the local council sector; Dame Ellen MacArthur will speak about the Eco-Island Vision; Andrew Turner MP will introduce a national perspective for parish and town councils and Cllr David Pugh, Leader of the Isle of Wight Council will address the delegates on a number of issues including engaging parishes at a strategic level.

New legislation brought in under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act has introduced many changes affecting, and potentially strengthening, the role of many parish and town councils.

The conference will provide an opportunity for those affected to obtain facts and information from a host of experts available throughout the day. It is also a great networking opportunity for parish and town councillors and those working with and for the parish sector to be able to share experiences and ideas throughout the day.

Councillor David Pugh, Leader of the Isle of Wight Council said:

“Town and parish councillors play an integral role in our communities and it is important that as a council we provide as much support and guidance as possible  – particularly at this time when there is an opportunity for parishes to make an even greater contribution to their communities. 

We have secured some extremely experienced speakers for the conference who I am sure will prove to be inspirational and informative to all.”