This is a very important time for the renewal of local community
democracy - and this presents the ideal opportunity to reveive
your neighbourhood, village or town. Furthermore, community,
parish and town councils are an effective and rewarding way
to get involved in community life. It deals with local people
and local matters on a day to day basis and welcomes help
and interest.
What
are community, parish and town councils?
There are around 10,000 community, parish and town councils
in England and Wales; they are corporate bodies and local
authorities. They have a powerful voice to represent local
people. What
do Parish councils do?
Community, parish and town councils are the part of local
government closest to the people: They serve the smallest
area and are responsible for the most local of matters. Very
importantly, these councils can "precept" - raising a sum
collected with the council tax each year to improve facilities
and services for local people. In England they are called
parish councils or town councils if they cover a largely urban
area. In Wales they are known as community councils. In both
England and Wales they are elected units of local government
whose activities are controlled by Acts of Parliament.
There are 10,000 community, parish and town councils in England
and Wales. Parish, town and community councils in England
and Wales have a number of basic responsibilities in making
the lives of local communities more comfortable, many of which
are often taken for granted.
Essentially
their power falls within three main catagories:
representing the whole electorate within the parish;
delivering services to meet local needs;
and striving to improve quality of life in the parish.
Individual powers include the provision and maintenance of
community transport schemes, traffic calming measures, local
youth projects, tourism activities, leisure facilities, car
parks, village greens, public lavatories, litter bins, street
lighting, street cleaning, burial grounds, allotments, bus
shelters, commons, opens spaces, footpaths, bridleways, and
crime reduction measures.
Community, parish and town councils can also comment on planning
applications - they are statutory consultees (they have to
be consulted if they so wish) and can be represented at public
inquiries. Parish, town and community councils may soon be
granted more powers, especially as part of Quality Status.
When councils are awarded this status they are allowed to
negotiate with the local principal authorities (the district
or county council or unitary authority) that certain responsibilities
get devolved to the parish. This is part of the government's
initiative to revitalise local democracy. What
do elected representatives do for me?
Community, parish and town councillors represent the people
living in their local area at the closest level to the community.
When decisions are being made they are there to put your views
across.
Where
can you find parish councils?
Parish councils are not only found in rural areas. Many metropolitan
areas of England have created councils where there were none.
Areas of Leeds, Liverpool and Birmingham, among others, have
created parish councils to deliver the type of local representation
residents felt they otherwise lacked. London is the only city
in England not legally able to create parish councils - and
the government has indicated they may change the legislation
that prohibits parishes for London. Scotland also has community
councils, but they have fewer powers.
