Town and parish councils – eyes and ears of the community

Introduction

This post examines the function and potential roles of Town and Parish councils.  It is part of a series looking at local and regional government in Cornwall.

 

There are a total of 213 civil parishes of which, with the exception of some 16, are either Town or Parish councils.

 

Current functions

Town and Parish councils play a part in delivering services – for example  allotments, parks and local spaces, car parks, events other community services and producing neighbourhood plans.  They also provide the local community a say in planning matters.

 

A model

Town and Parish councils have an important role to play in local communities and the democratic process. They are the closest level of government to people and can play an essential role in acting as the eyes and ears of the community. 

 

Town and Parish councils already carry out various functions but what should be their focus?

Planning – producing neighbourhood plans and environment plans

Commenting on both Community Council local plans and Cornwall Strategic plans.

 

Representation

Monitoring strategic services provided at the Community Council level.

Representing the community on planning issues.

Monitoring higher-level authorities.

 

Local neighbourhood services [non-strategic]

Environment – parks, open spaces and the public realm.

Allotments.

Recreational activities.

Car parks.

Footpaths.

Litter bins.

Public toilets.

Cemeteries.

Village halls and hubs.

 

Co-ordination

Working with local groups on issues.

Providing and input into Community Council work.

Co-operating with landowners on environmental activities. 

 

Background

Cornwall has 213 civil parishes, each with its own governance body.  These include a city council, 28 town councils, 168 parish councils, a community council and 15 parish meetings.  They are the first tier of local government and play a vital role in engaging with local people and helping to shape their communities. They are generally referred to as the local councils or town and parish councils sector.

 

What do local councils do?

Local councils have a variety of powers and duties given to them by Acts of Parliament. However, not all local councils decide to use all these powers. 

Some focus on their representative role, campaigning on local issues and lobbying other agencies to take action.  Others carry out an enabling role, funding local projects and organisations, and some provide services and amenities ranging from allotments to bus shelters, recreational areas and play areas.  

 

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/people-and-communities/parish-and-town-councils/general-information-on-parish-and-town-councils/

 

Parish and town councils run numerous services, depending on their council size. These include delivering services (such as allotments, car parks, celebrations and festivals, community buses, community and leisure centres, litter bins, parks and open spaces, public toilets and street lights), improving the quality of life (such as community hubs, neighbourhood plans, funding community projects and services, suitable housing, setting up dementia-friendly groups, solar panels, tackling loneliness and youth projects), and giving the community a voice (such as on planning matters with principal authorities and developers, local police and health services, and the government).

 

https://www.nalc.gov.uk/about/parish-and-town-councils.html

 

Key functions of the council include:

Community Support & Grants: Offering grants to local community groups, charities, and organizations to improve resident well-being.

Environmental & Amenities Focus: Managing local green spaces, addressing environmental issues, and working towards sustainable practices.

Planning & Development: Acting as a statutory body in planning matters, having established a Neighbourhood Development Plan to guide future growth in the area.

Local Representation: Serving as the most local level of government, working alongside Cornwall Council to address community concerns.

Governance & Action Planning: Conducting regular meetings (third Thursday of the month) to manage a budget aimed at enhancing local facilities and services. 

 

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