What does the Parish Council do?

The parish council has overall responsibility for the wellbeing of the local community. The work of the council falls into three main categories:

• representing the local community
• delivering services to meet local needs
• striving to improve quality of life in the parish

The council has a duty to provide and maintain facilities such as buildings for community use, recreational facilities, the play area, allotments, community orchard, war memorial, cemetery, litter bins, public seating and toilets, maintenance of rights of way, trees, open spaces and guardianship of common land.

Council has consultative powers relating to planning applications, housing, highways, sewerage works, rights of way surveys, intention to make byelaws in relation to music and dancing, street naming and appointment of school governors.

In addition, council has powers to sponsor public events, support the Arts, entertainment, tourism, provide grants to voluntary organisations, fund crime prevention, traffic calming, community transport, maintenance of watercourses and ditches, Parish Plans, acquire or dispose of land, appoint local charity trustees, make byelaws.

BECOMING A PARISH COUNCILLOR

As a local councillor you can become a voice for your community and make real change. Councillors are the champions of their community who invest time in local projects and issues to the benefit of residents and the neighbourhood.

Parish councillor responsibilities fall into three main categories:

• decision-making
• monitoring
• getting involved locally

Councillors attend to the needs of residents, groups and businesses in the area, make decisions on local services and collaborate with city and county councils to adhere to local needs and progress vital projects to invest in the future of the community.

AM I ELIGIBLE?

You must be:

• a UK or Commonwealth citizen; or citizen of the Republic of Ireland; or a citizen of another Member State of the European Union
• at least 18 years old
• a registered elector of the parish; or in the past 12 months occupied land or premises in the area (as owner or tenant); or work in the area (as your principal or only place of work including voluntary work); or live or work within three miles.

You must not:

• be the subject of a bankruptcy restriction order or interim order
• have been convicted in the past 5 years in the UK and had a prison sentence (whether suspended or not) for a period over 3 months without the option of a fine
• be employed by the council.

The council has 2 vacancies for co-option. Could YOU be a community champion for Messing-cum-Inworth Parish? Make a change – become a councillor.