Other information
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 Telford & Wrekin Council so that we can improve the quality of life within 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
- community transport schemes
- crime reduction measures
- leisure facilities
We can also:
and contribute towards:
- traffic calming
- street cleaning
- street lighting
- youth projects
- community centres
- public toilets
- bridleways
- footpaths
- burial grounds
- car parks
- village greens
Where do we get our money from?
Each year, usually in December, we consider what we would like to do and how much we think it will cost. We then inform Telford & Wrekin Council of how much money we need and they collect it on our behalf. This money is called the ‘precept’ and the council tax bill will show how much each household pays to Telford & Wrekin Council and how much it pays to us.
We can also apply for grants and parish councils that own property can receive income from renting or leasing it. Unfortunately, we don’t own any property or land but we do lease Lawley Community Centre and the Carpenter Centre from Telford & Wrekin Council and we do receive some income from hiring these premises to local community groups and occasionally from private parties.
How are your parish councillors elected?
Parish councillors are elected to represent a geographical area, a ward, although some smaller parishes only have one ward which is the parish as a whole. Councillors are elected by people over eighteen who live within the parish and are on the electoral register. Elections take place in May every four years with an election in each ward where parishes have more than one. Sometimes, parish elections co-inside with county or district elections, which is what happens here in Telford & Wrekin.
What do your parish councillors do?
Our councillors 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 for them to speak to councillors about any concerns they may have. Our Planning & Environment Committee meets each month too and considers all planning applications relevant to the parish. Our councillors also attend meetings with Telford & Wrekin Council and other organisations.
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 endeavour to achieve them.
Rules and Regulations
As an elected body the parish council is accountable to its electorate. You can find out about the rules and regulation to which we must abide by following the links in this section.