What parish and town councils do

Parish and town councils make up the tier of local government which is closest to the people.

We have 16 of these councils, representing the smaller rural communities in the east and west of the borough. You can see our parish and town councils on a map.

Parish and town councils are central to local activity in their communities. They give people the opportunity to get involved in local affairs, events and campaigns, and encourage them to make their views known. This is particularly important with issues about maintaining the character of the local area. People can also seek election to their local parish or town council.

An important role of parish and town councils is to make other public bodies, like us, aware of the views of their communities. We work closely with them so that we can take on board their concerns.

Parish or town councils provide varying facilities, but most look after at least some recreational facilities and are involved in organising local events in their areas. All have the power to raise money for these activities through a precept, which is an extra amount of Council Tax paid by people who live in the parish or town.  

Choose a parish council to see their individual precept, contact details and to find out more about what they do. Where a parish council has it's own website. Please note that we're not responsible for any of it's content, nor do we endorse the views expressed on it.