We are the first tier of local government and are statutory bodies. We serve electorates, are independently elected, and raise our precept (part of council tax). There are 10,000 parish and town councils in England and 100,000 councillors serving in these councils, with over £2 billion invested into these communities annually.
Parish and town council activities fall into three categories: delivering services to meet local needs, giving the community a voice and representation, and improving the quality of life and community wellbeing.
We deliver services (such as allotments, celebrations and festivals, community and leisure centres, litter bins, parks and open spaces, bus shelters and public toilets), improving the quality of life (such as children's playgrounds, community hubs, neighbourhood plans, funding community projects and services, setting up community groups), and giving the community a voice (such as on planning matters, local police, health services, and government). --- more ---