Role of Parish Councillors

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The main role of a Parish Councillor is to represent the views of all residents within the Parish, to listen to and understand the views and needs of different groups within the community.

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A Councillor therefore has a responsibility to be as well informed as possible especially about diverse local views and should not assume they represent an interest of their electors without engaging and consulting with them.

Parish Councillors contribute to the work of the Council by suggesting ideas, influencing policy, engaging in constructive debate and responding to the needs and views of the local community.

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Your Parish Councillors are elected representatives and are not volunteers or employees, however they do volunteer their time, resources and expertise for free. They serve for a four year term, unless co-opted or elected in a by-election when they serve until the next election.

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As elected representatives they must understand the legal and regulatory framework that controls their functions and powers to ensure they apply the law in decision making and comply with the Members’ Code of Conduct.

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Individual Councillors cannot make decisions on behalf of the Council but may actively lead and engage with local projects. Councillors have no powers outside of the Council meeting.

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Diversity is encouraged. Councillors from different backgrounds will better represent the whole community and possess different enthusiasms, skills, attitudes and interests.

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Councillors may be required to make sensitive judgements and difficult decisions, nevertheless such decisions must be made openly, honestly and in a reasoned way that can stand scrutiny. Councillors must act ethically and declare any interest when necessary.

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Key responsibilities:

• Deciding on level of Precept in order to deliver Parish Council services.

• Maintaining open spaces, recreational grounds, play areas and carpark.

• Influencing and shaping the long term development policy for the Parish.

• Commenting, as a statutory consultee, on planning applications in the Parish.

• Identify issues important to the local community through public engagement and consultation.

• Bring about improvements to quality of life and the local environment through local projects.

• Lobbying other service providers and working in partnership with other Parishes, local authorities and agencies.

• Decide on the level and focus of spending and commitment of resources, ensuring compliance with its legal and regulatory framework.

• To respond to the summons to attend a Council meeting and to participate constructively in a decision making process.

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