Now is the chance for parish and town councils to seize the age-friendly moment
The government’s plans for local government devolution have the potential to move significant powers to town and parish councils in England.
These local authorities could have greater influence on how their communities are shaped, including taking steps to ensure they become better places to age well in, writes Senior Programme Manager for the Centre for Ageing Better, Charlotte Lewis.
Town and parish councils represent the most local tier of government, and they provide a link between decision-makers and the residents they represent. This role could become increasingly significant due to local government reform, with national government looking to replace 185 county and district councils with new unitary authorities in 21 areas.
In this context, there are many different ways that town and parish councils might seek to have greater involvement in the development and advancement of their communities.
One way could be in playing a greater role in creating more age-friendly communities. The creation of age-friendly communities has historically been led by principal authorities but increasingly there is a growing movement of town and parish councils interested in the agenda.
The demographics of town and parish councils certainly make a strong case for this. By 2065, the population of over-50s in England is expected to reach 46% - and the fastest growth will happen in towns and parishes.
Town and parish councils have an important role to play in building age-friendly communities. Their roles as place-makers, facilitators, and service providers allow them to respond effectively to local needs, and this role is set to grow as local government structures are reformed.
To make their communities more age-friendly, town and parish councils are already playing an important role to support community transport, social participation opportunities and improved housing options and information.
One important way many town and parish councils are already making changes to their communities is through making the built environment more inclusive to older residents – whether that’s through running community toilet schemes or ensuring there is enough seating for all residents to take a rest in their local park, streets, or town centre.
Local government reorganisation means more local community assets, like public toilets, public buildings and car parks could transfer over to town councils, meaning even more potential to ensure those assets meet the needs of older residents.
Local government reorganisation also means that town and parish councils will play an even more important role in understanding, advocating for and meeting the needs of local residents. It’s vital that local councils pay particular attention to their older residents, ensuring that housing, transport, and health services consider the needs of different age groups.
To support town and parish councils make the most of these opportunities, the Centre for Ageing Better has produced its Town and Parish Guide, which sets out how local councils, and those that work with them, can take steps to ensure their town or parish supports and enables its older residents.
The guide has its roots in the World Health Organisation (WHO) Eight Domains of Age-friendly Communities, which specify the key areas of community life that can help to ensure that people age well.
Up and down the country, town and parish councils are stepping into this space to help create age-friendly communities. This existing work by the councils is creating tangible and positive differences to the lives of older people.
In Penzance, the council has introduced a Community Toilet Scheme, which has been running since 2017. The scheme provides clean and accessible toilet facilities in the community which are free for everyone to use.
Opening hours are extensive and the facilities are located across the parish of Penzance at local cafes, pubs, restaurants, and art galleries. All the businesses taking part in the scheme receive funding from them council, so there is no expense for older residents.
Another great example can be found in Surrey, where Farnham Job Club offers free employment help and advice to people seeking employment. The Job Club is held at Farnham Town Council and is particular benefit to older people who face many obstacles, such as ageism, in accessing employment.
Meanwhile, Hartford Parish Council in Cheshire has created an age-friendly website that promotes an array of information for older residents.
Importantly, the website advertises its work in supporting social events, highlighting news and local initiatives that are of particular importance and relevance to older people.
These examples – among many – represent the significant differences that town and parish councils can make to the lives of older people in their communities.
Devolution has the potential to enable and empower the councils to achieve even more in delivering environments that are adapting to the needs of the UK’s growing ageing population.
The time is now for town and parish councils to seize the opportunity.
This article first appeared in the MJ on 12 January 2026.