PARISH COUNCIL
WHAT IS A PARISH COUNCIL?
Parish councils in England are a unit of local government that has various local responsibilities.
WHAT IS THE FUNCTION OF A PARISH COUNCIL?
The function of the parish council include is the provision and upkeep of certain local facilities such as allotments, bus shelters, parks, playgrounds, public seats, public toilets, public clocks, street lights, village halls, and various leisure and recreation facilities.
Photograph of the Chairman of the Parish Councils badge
The parish council is also responsible for the maintenance of
footpaths, cemeteries and village greens. Since 1997 parish councils have had new powers to provide community transport (such as a minibus), crime prevention measures (such as CCTV) and to contribute money towards traffic calming schemes.
Parish councils act as a channel of local opinion to larger local government bodies, and as such have the right to be consulted on any planning decisions affecting the parish.
Giving of grants to local voluntary organisations, and sponsoring public events, including entering Britain in Bloom. Smaller parish councils have only limited resources and generally play only a minor role, while some larger parish councils have a role similar to that of a small district council.
Parish councils receive funding by levying a “precept” on the council tax paid by the residents of the parish. Parish councillors are volunteers who are elected to serve for four years and it is rare for them to be paid. Different councils have different numbers of councillors.
Most parish councillors are elected to represent the entire parish, though in parishes with larger populations or those that cover large areas, the parish can be divided into wards. These wards then return a certain number of councillors each to the parish council (depending on their population).
WHERE DOES THE PARISH COUNCIL MEET?
The Parish Council have a full Council meeting every 2nd Tuesday in each month at 7pm and all future meetings will take place at the new Sports Pavilion at the Recreation Ground, Sandy Lane, North Baddesley and are open to the public and all are welcome to attend.
There is an opportunity for public participation. The councils planning committee meet after the full council meetings and on every 4th Tuesday in each month. All the other committees and groups meet as and when they are needed.
WHERE CAN I SEE THE PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES?
Parishioners are reminded that the Council’s minutes are available for inspection on Page 3 or in the North Baddesley Library.