I am so honoured to be able to represent Truro and Falmouth in the UK Parliament.

But I am equally as proud of my role on Cornwall Council, as Labour group leader and the representative for Falmouth Penwerris ward. These roles have given me first-hand experience of the vital work carried out by local councils and the challenges they face.

Parish and town councils are often at the frontline of public service delivery and act as the point of contact for millions of people across the country.

They manage essential services and create opportunities for communities to come together, from organising village fetes and Christmas decorations to maintaining parks, leisure centres, and community hubs.

Over the last 14 years, Cornwall Council and many others across the UK have struggled with deep and sustained cuts to their budgets. Time and again, parish and town councils have stepped up, taking on services at risk of being lost—youth programmes, anti-social behaviour officers, and the upkeep of our heritage and green spaces, to name but a few. In Cornwall particularly, as we have just one greatly-reduced-in size unitary authority to cover a large area. Our town and city councils particularly have stepped into the breach to prevent very local services being lost. They are now large enterprises employing up to 100 people.

In short, these councils are more important than ever.

However, in recent weeks I’ve spoken to many local councillors who are increasingly worried about their ability to continue delivering these essential services.

The changes to National Insurance Contributions (NICs), as outlined by the Chancellor in her Budget, are needed to combat the 14 years of financial mismanagement and underinvestment. However, unlike larger councils or the NHS, parish and town councils are unlikely to receive additional funding to offset the increased NIC costs. The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) estimates these changes could cost English parish and town councils an additional £10-million annually, and at least an extra £1-million in Wales.

This would lead to one of two things. Either the public loses essential services, or council tax precepts will need to rise for towns and parishes.

I have raised the invaluable work of parish and town councils with ministers. It is important to ensure they are not left behind. We cannot afford to lose the services and spaces that bring us together and improve our quality of life.

Let’s make sure parish and town councils receive the support they need to continue their fantastic work, right at the heart of our communities.

Jayne Kirkham

Labour MP for Truro and Falmouth