The Council at Work!

The Role of the Parish Council

What is a Parish Council?

Parish councils were established in 1894 to take on the duties formally administered by churchwardens and overseers of the poor. They are the lowest tier of government and deal with village community matters. (Our village also has a Parochial Church Council (PCC) but this body is only concerned with Church matters.)

What do they do?

Parish councils have a wide range of powers given them through legislation. They have tax-raising powers (known as the 'precept'); they can make plans and comment on planning applications; they can have an input into village crime prevention; they can make bye-laws in specific areas; they can provide amenities and facilities such as village halls, parks, playing fields, allotments, bus shelters, parking, litter bins, traffic signs, public baths and public clocks!

How much is the Rearsby precept and what is it spent on?

For 2007/08 the Rearsby precept is £15,700, slightly above last year's figure. It works out as about £35 per household (Band D). It represents about 3% of your total council tax bill.

The money is routinely spent on the maintenance of the playing fields and park, which the parish council owns, subscriptions and donations to local organisations and causes such as support for a village council quarterly news sheet, insurance, auditing, and the payment of a part-time clerk. (Councillors are unpaid for the work they do.)

Who runs the Parish Council?

Rearsby is run by six parish councillors from the village elected every four years who appoint a chairman as leader. They are non-political. A clerk, who receives remuneration, is responsible for the organisation of the council including dealing with correspondence, financial matters, and preparing the agenda for meetings.

How does the Council do its business?

The council usual meets in the village hall at 7.30pm on the first Thursday of every month for two hours. Councillors may also do other jobs outside of this period such as talking to local government officials, dealing with complaints, attending other meetings, and chasing up our proposals and resolutions.

Can the public attend meetings?

Yes. You are very welcome to sit in on the meetings. In fact we encourage you to attend so that you are fully informed about what is happening to your village. Your role is to observe only, but a designated part of the agenda allows you to express your views and make comments. You may also be asked during a motion to express an opinion on matters where you have particular knowledge.

Can parishioners help the parish council do its job?

Yes! Councillors are busy working people like the rest of you and need help to do their jobs properly. For example, the parish council can delegate to working parties to help with things like implementing our parish plan. We also have various wardens who help such as a tree warden, bird warden, butterfly warden, flood wardens and a heritage warden. You are encouraged to keep an eye on the village and inform the council of any issues and problems, but it also helps us if you can deal with small problems yourself by contacting the bodies responsible. However, if in doubt, please contact us

What are the most important issues at the moment for Rearsby?

Implementing a strategic plan for the village known as a 'parish plan"; redeveloping the village hall; risk assessment; implementing the village design statement and organising heritage initiatives. Prevention of anti-social behaviour and improving traffic control. Strengthening community links following the re-opening of the Post Office.

How can we find out more about what the Parish Council does?

Attend the meetings and see how the council works. Take time to view our monthly agenda and other information on the noticeboards. Read our minutes, which are available once approved, from the Poat Office, the Parish Clerk or on this website. Do please ask us for information or download it yourself from our website.

How can you contact us?

Use the link below or speak to a councillor.

chairman@rearsbypc.org.uk

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