What We Do

The role of a Parish Council

The local council acts within the framework of legislation conferred on it by Parliament:

• Representation – The Parish Council often voices the views of its inhabitants on many issues. For example it makes representation on planning applications.
• Consultation – Several bodies including the Borough/District Council consult with the Parish Council to gather local opinion and concerns. For example when a Local Plan is being drafted the Parish Council will be asked to consider its impact on the Parish.
• Promotional – the Parish Council is often the body required to take a lead on issues affecting the interests of its area. This is seen as a natural role, as a local council may be the only body with initial access to information and with the resources and capability to act.
• Executive – As an executive body, the Parish Council has many statutory functions and, as the elected body of the parish, it has powers of decision.
• The Parish Council owns and manages certain assets including recreational spaces in the Parish
• The Parish Council manages footpaths and allotments in the Parish
• The Parish Council manages the cemetery at Long Lane
• The Parish Council is also the ‘first port of call’ for many residents enquiring about public services and the Parish Council endeavours to answer these queries as efficiently as possible.