What is a Parish Council and what does your Council do? A Parish Council is a statutory local authority set up under the Local Government Act 1972. Councillors, who act voluntarily, are normally elected every four years. Sometimes they may be elected at a by-election or by co-option during the four year period. A Clerk is employed to organise meetings, carry out the Council’s decisions and give advice on any legal issues or new legislation. The Clerk does not vote or make decisions for the Council. The Parish Council’s principal role is to act in the interest of the whole community by taking actions to improve the quality of community life in the parish. Councillors must provide this service responsibly and openly. As such they are bound by a strict code of conduct. Parish Councils have only a limited number of legal duties, but can have a wide range of powers. These are enacted by a considerable number of statutory powers and regulations. This enables a Parish Council to be able to preside over a range of responsibilities, including allotments, bridleways and footpaths, burial grounds, community centres, community transport, highways, land, litter, monuments and memorials, open spaces , planning, street lighting, tree planting, tourism, and vehicle parking. It does vary from council to council which powers are taken up, depending on facilities available, budget levels, local priorities etc. • Your council gives views and supplies local knowledge on behalf of the community, on planning applications and other proposals that affect the parish. • The Council has no direct powers over the decisions on planning applications submitted . • Alerts relevant authorities to problems that arise or work that needs to be undertaken • Helps the other tiers of local government keep in touch with local communities • Undertakes projects and activities that benefit local residents • TAKE AN INTEREST, AND BE INVOLVED IN YOUR COUNCIL’S WORK ON YOUR BEHALF