Acomb Parish Council
In the district of Tynedale and the county of Northumberland

Introduction
Being a councillor
Am I qualified?
How do I become a councillor?
Code of Conduct

This guide gives you a brief insight into community, parish and town councils.

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.

For a full list visit http://www.nalc.gov.uk/information/legal/powers/index.html

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.

Parish Notice Board

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Our Post Office under threat!
Consultation on the post office network closed on Thursday March 8th. [more]

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Acomb in Bloom Results:
The results of the 2007 Acomb in Bloom Awards are announced [more]

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Free Publicity
If you would like to publicise a community event or meeting on the web site, please click here to send an email telling us about it.

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If you have an interesting story to tell and you'd like to see it on the web site, just email it to us

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Acomb First School have recently had their Ofsted inspection and have received an excellent report. [more...].

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District Councillor's Report published
Download and read the latest District Councillor's Report. [more...]

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Parish Council Meeting:
The next Parish Council meeting is on 29 May 2008.
The agenda is now available for download. Download the agenda now...-->
Meetings are held each month (except March) on the first Wednesday of the month. In March the meeting is generally held on the second Wednesday of the month.

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The refurbishment of the large hall in the Village Hall has been completed and was officially opened on May 9th 2006.

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Read all about the Acomb "Good Citizen of the Year Award" and please look out for a leaflet in the Village Hall or for more information, email Bill Grigg..

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Acomb Historical Society
Acomb Historical Society is preparing a new Winter Programme.
There'll be news about next season's programme later in the year.

© TalkingHat Associates 2005/2006/2007