What is . . .

. . . the Parish Council?

Parish and Town Councils are the most local level of government in the England. They are independent bodies and have responsibility for:

Representing all residents in the parish.

Running local services that may include allotments, cemeteries, community buildings, recreation and play areas, seating, bus shelters, litter bins and local transport schemes.

Commenting on planning applications and long-term development issues.

Collecting money for their budget through the 'precept' as part of council tax. Each parish council has the power to set its own budget according to their plans for the year and therefore can decide what the precept level should be to provide the required funding.

They also have wide-ranging powers to become involved in further activities that contribute towards the improvement of the environment and quality of life in the parish.

Who are the Parish Councillors?

All parish councillors are local residents who have volunteered; either the public or the parish council has then elected them; they are unpaid and serve a four-year term. The parish clerk is a paid position that deals with the parish council's administration.

How can I get involved?

Any interested resident can decide to stand as a parish councillor, you do not need to have experience of local government and do not need to have or state a political allegiance.

If you don't want to become a parish councillor but are still interested in what is going on in your local area - any member of the public can attend parish council meetings, including the parish council's annual meeting. Most parish councils provide an opportunity for members of the public to ask questions of the parish council or comment on parish matters.

How can I find out more?

Contact your parish clerk: Julie Chance, telephone 01263 833902 

Contact the Norfolk County Association of Parish and Town Councils on 01603 664869 or e-mail enquiries@ncaptc.gov.uk Have a look at the website http://www.ncaptc.gov.uk

Have a look at the National Association of Local Councils website http://www.nalc.gov.uk