What is a Parish

What is a Parish?

The Civil Parish - a fundamental tier of Local Government - a democratically elected local authority - part of a network.

Town Councils are parish councils which because of their population, size and impact in their area have by Resolution of their Council taken the style of Town Council.

The Town Council may resolve that its Chairman be called Mayor of the Town.

(Ecclesiastical Parishes of the Anglican Church - consist of the Parochial Church Council chaired by the Vicar).

Parish Councils Matter!

* Democratically Elected

* Statutory - continuity

* Very accountable to electors

* Cost effective

* Local Control

* Continuity of representation at grass roots level

* Precept for funds

Parishes Can Influence:
* Planning Applications

* Consultation on Proposals of Central Government

* Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and Home Office - Marina and Quarantine Regulations

* Community Strategies - partnership working on Community Planning

* Social Housing Schemes with Housing Associations

* Water Courses - The Environment Agency

* Structure Plans - County Council and Unitary Authorities

* Three Tier Working via Local Governance District Policy Forums