What is a Parish Council?

Parish and Town Councils form the first tier of local government. As statutory local authorities, they have powers to provide many services and facilities. They have an element of sovereignty and are not answerable to the other two tiers of Councils in the county (in our case, Wychavon District and Worcestershire County).

Parish Councils are governed by laws which dictate that they may not take a decision to spend money unless the matter is included on the agenda for a Parish Council meeting. They must make decisions in an open, accountable and transparent way. Their accounts are subject to internal and external audit, the results of which must be posted on your notice board.

Each Parish Council is required to set a budget each year. To fund its budget the Parish Council sets a precept, which is included in your Council tax, for financing the work they undertake in the community on your behalf (more about this in the links to the left).

They represent grass roots views, and influence the decisions made by others on the way our communities are shaped and developed.

Your Parish Council has the statutory right to be consulted on planning applications and will also be consulted on community and planning strategies.

The Conduct of Parish Councillors 

All Parish and Town Councils are required to adopt a Code of Conduct which individual Councillors must sign up to. This code demands  that they must:

• Declare their interests in a public register

• Not bring their Council into disrepute

• Leave the room for discussion on any item in which they have a prejudicial interest