Jonathan Owen

♻️ This #GlobalRecyclingDay, find out more about how parish and town councils can encourage residents to recycle and tackle climate change: nalc.gov.uk/campaigns/tack…

Village Halls Week is a time to champion the spaces that bring our communities together. As @NALC chair, I’m proud to celebrate the councillors, staff and volunteers who keep these vital halls thriving all year round. #VillageHallsWeek

Mae Un Llais Cymru wedi lansio Maniffesto ar gyfer sector Cynghorau Cymuned a Thref yng Nghymru cyn yr etholiad i'r Senedd. One Voice Wales launches its Manifesto for the Community & Town Council sector in Wales ahead of the Senedd elections this May: onevoicewales.wales/services/manif…

Do check out this history of some remarkable woman and parish councillors! Inc “Alice was only chair for a couple of years, thereafter she was a powerful advocate for the involvement of women as elective members of local authorities. balh.org.uk/publication-lh…

Some great tips and practical advice from Aubergine and a reminder of the vision “An accessible website ensures every resident, including disabled people, older residents, and those using assistive technologies, can participate in local democracy.”

@NALC latest weekly bulletin out now - sign up on our website to receive it for latest sector updates. Government confirms parish and town councils are excluded from council tax referendum principles, Annual Conference bookings go live. Progress continues on improving standards.

📝 In this week's blog, we mark #TimeToTalkDay and showcase parish and town councils that are working to reduce the stigma around mental health in their local communities. nalc.gov.uk/resource/time-…

As part of my commitment to being a strong voice for the sector, today I gave evidence to @CommonsPACAC where I stepped up @NALC’s call for a standards system with teeth, backed by a national code & supported with more training & funding.

Good to see that @mhclg confirmed they are actively seeking parliamentary opportunities to take the proposals forward and are committed to keeping us updated as work progresses on this crucial matter for parish and town councils.

👥 At our Smaller Councils Committee meeting, we were updated by @mhclg on the government's proposed reforms to the local government standards regime. nalc.gov.uk/resource/mhclg…

📍 We have urged the @ONS to improve access to parish-level census data for small communities, warning that current thresholds risk leaving thousands of parish and town councils without the information they need to plan effectively. nalc.gov.uk/resource/nalc-…

🎬 #QueensPark Community Council presents our first International Film Festival! 10 screenings | Feb 13 - Apr 17 OPENING FILM: Sister Midnight (2024) 📅 Feb 13 | 🕕 6:15pm 📍 St. Jude's Hall, Ilbert Street £3 donation | Refreshments from £1 🎟️ bit.ly/qpcc-community…

I’m honoured to serve as the new chair of @NALC. My priority is to strengthen, amplify and elevate parish and town councils at every level of government. My first open letter sets out a vision for stronger voices, governance and partnerships. Read it here: nalc.gov.uk/resource/open-…

Well done all, especially the Gold awards - Henley-on-Thames Town Council in Oxfordshire, Leighton Linslade Town Council in Bedfordshire and Pelton Parish Council in County Durham. This national scheme is recognised by @NALC @SLCCnews @LGANews and @mhclg

The call to action is clear: by strengthening voices, governance and partnerships, parish and town councils can remain “a powerful force for the communities they serve.” Read the full letter: nalc.gov.uk/resource/open-… 6/6

Great 2026 resolutions: “In an increasingly disconnected world, here are 7 resolutions to end the doomscroll and rebuild everyday connection.” My personal favourite “Join your town or parish council” New Year resolutions that reconnect us - Positive News positive.news/society/new-ye…

I welcome the clear focus set out in ⁦@NALC⁩ Chair’s new year letter. Stronger voices, stronger governance and stronger partnerships are exactly what parish & town councils need as responsibilities grow. A positive and timely direction for 2026! nalc.gov.uk/resource/open-…

Good to hear from @holland_tom that Cumbria parish and town councils are doing their bit to celebrate the unification of England in 927, and partying hard! @NALC

Honoured to be editing @BBCr4today tomorrow. A host of hot button news items are planned...

💼 Northants CALC is seeking a senior advisory services manager to join its team nalc.gov.uk/job/senior-adv…