What is a Parish Council and what does it do?
A parish council is a local authority that makes decisions on behalf of the people in the parish and has an overall responsibility for the well-being of its local community. It is the level government closest to the community, with the Norfolk District Council above it in the hierarchy. As it is the authority closest to the people, parish councils are invariably the first place people will go with concerns or ideas. For this reason they are a vital part of any community.
Its work falls into three main categories:
- representing the local community
- delivering services to meet local needs
- striving to improve quality of life in the parish
What decisions do Parish Councils make?
Parish councils make all kinds of decisions on issues that affect the local community. Probably the most common topics that parish councils get involved with are planning matters (they are statutory consultees), crime prevention, helping local groups, managing open spaces and campaigning for and delivering better services and facilities.
It’s true to say that on their own, parish councils have limited powers to make decisions. But they do have the ability to negotiate with, and the power to influence, those other organisations that do make the final decisions (such as the borough council, health authorities, police etc).
In this respect parish councils are extremely powerful. The organisations that make the final decisions know that a parish council gives the best reflection of how a community feels about something, and its views will be taken seriously.
Why become a Parish Councillor?
By becoming a parish councillor you become someone your community will look to for help, guidance and support a community leader with the power to influence decisions for the benefit of the people you serve.
Seeing your community change for the better, as a result of decisions you have helped make, is something that can give you a sense of achievement and pride.
Once elected, parish councillors sit on the council for a maximum of four years. If they then want to stay in the post they can stand for re-election.
Applicants should note that Councillors are expected to attend regular meetings and any additional meetings as may be arranged, and to represent the electors of Sutton in raising and discussing those issues of interest and concern on which the Parish Council is empowered to act.
What decisions do Parish Councils make?
Parish councils make all kinds of decisions on issues that affect the local community. Probably the most common topics that parish councils get involved with are planning matters (they are statutory consultees), crime prevention, helping local groups, managing open spaces and campaigning for and delivering better services and facilities.
It’s true to say that on their own, parish councils have limited powers to make decisions. But they do have the ability to negotiate with, and the power to influence, those other organisations that do make the final decisions (such as the borough council, health authorities, police etc).
In this respect parish councils are extremely powerful. The organisations that make the final decisions know that a parish council gives the best reflection of how a community feels about something, and its views will be taken seriously.
How much time does it take up?
Sutton Parish Council usually meet on the second Tuesday of the month for the council meeting, to which members of the public are also invited. Meetings may last one or two hours, depending on the agenda set for the meeting to discuss.
What are powers and duties?
Duties are legal obligations – actions that a council must take by law.
A council must:
- appoint a chairman of the council
- appoint officers as appropriate for carrying out its functions
- appoint an independent and competent internal auditor
- appoint a responsible financial officer (RFO) to manage the council’s financial affairs (The RFO is often the clerk, especially in smaller councils)
- hold a minimum number of four meetings per year, one of which must be the Annual Meeting of the Council
consider the provision of allotments if there is demand for them from local residents and it is reasonable to do so - hold an annual Parish / Town meeting
- comply with its obligations under the Freedom of Information Act (2000), the Data Protection Act (1998) and the Equality Act (2010), General Data Protection Act (GDPR) and the Localism Act 2011
- comply with employment law
- consider the impact of their decisions on reducing crime and disorder in their area
- have regard to the protection of biodiversity in carrying out their functions
- decide whether to adopt a churchyard when it is closed, if asked to do so by the Parochial Church Council
Roles and Responsibilities within a Parish Council
Powers are contained in legislation and permit actions to be taken at the council’s discretion.
- A council may do only what the law requires it to
- A council may do only what the law says it may
- A council cannot do anything unless permitted by legislation
- The good news is that local councils have a wide range of powers.
Here is an indicative list of powers and functions to help you appreciate the wide range of activities covered by Acts of Parliament (see also Governance and Accountability). It is a useful reference when you need to know if the local council has permission to act but note, no list can be totally comprehensive.
The Annual Parish Meeting
To be held at any time between March and May each year to report to the parish electorate on the activities and performance of the Council over the previous year. The current accounts of the Parish must be available at this meeting. The chairman or vice chair should if present preside at this meeting.
Only persons recorded on the electoral register for the Parish are allowed to vote at this meeting. The Parish Council pays for the meeting. If a poll is called for then it must be paid for by the Parish Council.
