What does the Parish Council do?

Parish Councils are Statutory Bodies, having powers under a number of different Acts (the Local Government Act 1972, the Public Health Act 1936, etc.). Very few Councils use all their available powers. It is up to each Council to choose what is appropriate for the community they serve.

The Council raises funds by the annual Precept (which is added to the rates bill and collected by ENC on behalf of the Council) which is set in January. The amount required is guided by the setting of the annual budget in the November preceding. The Council also raises funds through grants from other organisations.

The Council pays for the street lighting and the grass cutting within the villages (these two amount to 70% of the Precept), the improvement projects such as the traffic calming works and benches. It makes grants to organisations that the community uses (e.g. CAB) and funds the Village Appraisals (1995, 2002 & 2009) to consult the community on what they want.

The Council is consulted on Planning & Licensing Applications that will be decided at the District Council. It has the right (separate from supporters & objectors) to speak at the planning meetings.

The Council is consulted by the County Council’s Highways dept on works within the parish and nominates tasks to be undertaken (e.g. culvert under the Raunds Road, footbridge over the brook in Water Lane). It monitors the public footpaths & bridleways for the Rights of Way dept and has the power of veto on “Stopping Up” orders.

The Councillors and Clerk attend various workshops and consultation meetings with other authorities In order to be aware of proposals & legislation that may affect the community. The Council hosts the Annual Parish Assembly every year to encourage the parishioners to make their views known and pays for the village newsletter which is delivered free to every household.

The Council does not currently own any freehold land, but leases the allotment site. The Village Hall is owned by a charity and operated by another charity.

Powers currently used include -

Grants and assistance to other bodies, maintenance of public clocks, grass cutting, lighting of footways & public places, planning consultation, provision of litter bins, benches & road signs, allotments, website, newsletters & opinion surveys, stopping up order consultation, traffic calming, repairs to war memorials and provision of entertainment & support of the arts.