Parish And Town Councils

Parish and town councils are independent of district and county councils and are the most local level of government in England. 

Parish and town councillors

Parish and town councillors are elected every four years at the same time as district councillors. They represent local people, helping to provide local amenities and facilities and are consulted regularly by county and district councils. They have an active interest and concern for their local community and are not paid. Like their counterparts on district and county councils they have to abide by the Local Code of Conduct and openly make their declarations of interest.

Powers of the parish and town councils

All parish and town councils have the same powers but the extent to which they use them depends largely on their size and how active they are. Their functions and responsibilities include such things as allotments, bus shelters, amenity lighting, commons, village halls, playing fields and war memorials. They are notified of all planning applications affecting their areas and are able to make informed local comment. 

Meetings

They are required to hold at least 4 meetings per year which are open to the public, one of which must be an annual meeting at which the chairmanship and other appointments are made.

Clerk contacts

Contact your parish or town council clerk.