This document explains the differences between the Parishes Forum, Parishes Advisory Group, BMKALC, and MKALC, and how each supports parish and town councils in and around Milton Keynes.
1. Parishes Forum
What it is
The Parishes Forum is a broad engagement and communication forum between Milton Keynes City Council and parish and town councils within the local authority area.
Purpose
- To provide a space for information sharing between the principal authority and parish councils
- To discuss strategic, borough‑wide issues that affect parishes
- To allow parish representatives to raise themes, concerns, or questions directly with council officers and elected members
- To provide an opportunity for parishes to share learnings, successes and achievements
Key characteristics
- Open to all parish and town councils within the Milton Keynes City Council area
- Focused on discussion and engagement, rather than decision‑making
- Often includes briefings, updates, and presentations from Milton Keynes City Council and partners
- Acts as a two‑way channel: parishes can feed in views, and the council can explain policies, approaches and changes
- Meets quarterly (Two in person meetings and two on line meetings)
- Open to parish councillors and clerks (two reps per parish nominated by the parish)
Influence
- Advisory and consultative
- Does not make formal decisions or set policy
- Helps shape understanding and may inform future work by the City Council
2. Parishes Advisory Group (PAG)
What it is
The Parishes Advisory Group is a smaller, more focused representative group of parish and town council members that works more closely with Milton Keynes City Council.
Purpose
- To provide detailed advice and feedback on specific parish‑related matters
- To act as a sounding board for policies, proposals, or service changes before wider engagement
- To represent parish interests at a more operational or developmental level and act as an informal conduit to MKCC for specific initiatives
- To set the agenda for the Parishes Forums
- To contribute to / convene as appropriate, specific topic related working groups
- To oversee ‘Together We Can’ ensuring that it is lived by all parties
Key characteristics
- Membership is limited and representative, rather than open to all parishes
- Meetings are more task‑focused and detailed than the Parishes Forum
- Often consulted earlier in the development of policies or initiatives affecting parishes
Influence
- Stronger advisory role than the Parishes Forum
- Still not a decision‑making body
- Can significantly shape proposals by providing early, informed parish input
3. BMKALC (Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Association of Local Councils)
What it is
BMKALC is the county‑level membership organisation for parish and town councils across Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes.
Purpose
- To support, represent and advocate for parish and town councils
- To provide advice, training, guidance, and legal information
- To represent local councils’ interests at county and regional level
Key Characteristics
- Independent of Milton Keynes City Council
- Funded through membership subscriptions and grants from Buckinghamshire Council and Milton Keynes City Council
- Employs staff with specialist knowledge of local council law and practice
- Provides services such as:
- Training for councillors and clerks
- HR and governance advice
- Model documents and guidance
- Representation on consultations affecting local councils
- Is a gateway to NALC for smaller councils
Influence
- Represents parish and town councils collectively
- Influences policy and practice by lobbying and responding to consultations
- Does not direct parish councils but supports them to operate effectively and lawfully
- Works closely with MKCC’s Monitoring Officer on matters relating to parish and town councils in Milton Keynes
- Elects a representative to NALC (the National Association) to participation setting of national decisions and lobbying of government
4. MKALC (Milton Keynes Association of Local Councils)
What it is
MKALC is a local association specifically for parish and town councils within Milton Keynes.
Purpose
- To provide a local voice and network for Milton Keynes parishes
- To share best practice and common concerns
- To represent parish councils in discussions where a Milton Keynes‑specific perspective is needed
- To lobby MKCC on behalf of its parishes
Key characteristics
- Membership‑based organisation
- More locally focused than BMKALC
- Run by representatives from Milton Keynes parish and town councils
- Often works alongside BMKALC but concentrates on local issues, relationships and priorities
- Arranges for presentations from MKCC service areas and other local bodies (eg Police and Fire services), MP’s etc to inform parishes and provide an opportunity for discussion
Influence
- Provides collective representation of MK parishes
- Can influence local discussions and relationships
- Acts as a coordinating and supportive network rather than a decision‑making body
Summary comparison
| Body | Main Role | Membership | Relationship to MK City Council | Decision‑Making Power |
| Parishes Forum | Engagement & information sharing | Broad / open | Direct engagement forum | None |
| Parishes Advisory Group | Focused advice & consultation | Small & representative | Works closely with officers | None (advisory only) |
| BMKALC | Support, training & advocacy | Subscription‑based (countywide) | Independent | None |
| MKALC | Local networking & representation | Subscription‑based (MK only) | Independent | None |
In simple terms
- Parishes Forum – A large conversation space between MK City Council and parishes
- Parishes Advisory Group – A smaller group giving more detailed advice
- BMKALC – Professional support and representation across Bucks & MK
- MKALC – A local Milton Keynes parish network and collective voice