What is a Civil Parish

A Civil Parish is the lowest tier of local government administration, the nearest to you the consumer. There is a local Civil Parish Office, staff and Local Councillors dealing with local issues. It is not part of any Church administration.

Powers and functions

Civil Parish Councils powers can vary significantly depending on the size, resources and ability of the council, but their activities can include:

The provision and maintenance of certain local facilities such as allotments, bus shelters, litter bins, markets, parks, playgrounds, public seats, public toilets, public clocks, street lights, village or town halls, and various leisure and recreation facilities.

Maintenance of footpaths, cemeteries, village greens and war memorials.

Spending money on crime prevention measures, community transport schemes

Giving of grants to local voluntary organisations, and sponsoring public events.

Civil Parish Councils act as a channel of local opinion to larger local government bodies, and as such have the right to be consulted on any planning decisions affecting the parish. They may also create a neighbourhood plan to influence development in the parish.