What we do
There are over 8,500 parish and town councils in England and we offer the most local level of government. We have an overall responsibility for the well-being of our local community and we try to enhance the services provided by Shropshire Council to meet the more specific needs of the parish.
Parish councils are governed by certain Acts of Parliament and listed below are just a few examples of what we have the power to provide:
- allotments
- burial grounds
- bus shelters
- commons
- crime reduction measures
- leisure facilities
We can also contribute towards:
- traffic calming
- street cleaning
- street lighting
- youth projects
- community centres
- footpaths
- burial grounds
- car parks
- village greens
Where do we get our money from? YOU
Each year, usually in December/January, we consider what we would like to do and how much we think it will cost. We then inform Shropshire Council how much money we need and they collect it on our behalf from council tax payers in the parish. This money is called the ‘precept’ and principally finances your parish council.
What do your parish councillors do?
Our councillors who are volunteers meet monthly and decide which activities to support, what services should be delivered and how they should be financed. Members of the public are welcome to attend these meetings where time is set aside at the start of the meeting for them to speak to councillors about any concerns they may have.
Parish councils are the most local part of the democratic system and act as a voice that can make a difference to the quality of life within their local community. Parish councillors are community leaders who represent their electorate’s aspirations and endeavor to improve the quality of life for those in the parish.
Rules and Regulations
As an elected body the parish council is accountable to its electorate. You can find out about the rules and regulations to which we must abide in the Policies Section.
Annually the parish’s accounts are audited by an independent internal auditor appointed by the council and are externally audited by appointed accountants.
Councillors must abide by the Code of Conduct and procedural rules are described in the Council’s Standing Orders and Financial Regulations.
The Council has a Complaints procedure which should be followed if a member of the public wishes to make a formal complaint about the parish council or a parish councillor or clerk. The behaviour of parish councillors is monitored by the Shropshire Council Monitoring Officer