Parish council referendums should be used to pioneer the use of electronic voting in UK elections, the National Association for Local Councils (NALC) has urged.

The call to modernise electoral practices is suggested among other cost-cutting measures, such as the free use of community buildings and a cap on local poll expenditure by NALC in its response to a government consultation.

NALC expressed concerns about additional cost burdens on parish and town councils and taxpayers whenever local communities are allowed to take part in parish polls - a direct democracy tool giving residents a say on local issues.