Charity leaders are among a group of local people of influence being urged by the government to chair newly created ‘Town Boards’, set up to develop long term plans for their area and engage with residents.

The call has come as the government announces plans to set up the boards from 1 April 2024 in 55 towns.

“Town Boards should be led by an independent chair, who will act as a champion for the town,” says the government.

The boards will “bring together community leaders, employers, local authorities and the local MP, to develop and deliver” strategic long-term plans for their town “and put it to local people for consultation”.

Heads of charities, schools and football clubs are among the local figures the government has said should run boards to ensure they “are community-led and embedded within the local area”.

Board membership can also include local police, business owners and representatives from arts, heritage and other cultural centres.

Guidance published this week on the launch of the boards and appointing chairs applies across Great Britain, with dedicated Scottish and Welsh versions to be released in 2024.

The 55 towns involved will share £20m in funding to spend on projects such as “regenerating local high streets and town centres or securing public safety”.

They also have powers to secure private investment, auction empty high street shops, create and maintain green spaces and improve heritage sites.

“We’re giving under invested towns the much-needed funding and support to get going on their long-term plans,” said levelling up secretary Michael Gove.

However, this latest funding announcement comes amid a swathe of cuts across local areas since 2010.

According to the Local Government Association councils across England face a £4bn funding gap over the next two years.

This figure was published in October and is a £1bn increase since the council representative body’s initial analysis in July.

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