What is a Parish Council?
A parish council is a civil local authority, and is the lowest or first tier of local government. They are elected corporate bodies, have variable tax raising powers, and are responsible for areas known as civil parishes serving in total 16 million people.
Parish councils are funded by levying a precept collected with the council tax paid by the residents of the parish. Parish councils have unpaid councillors who are elected to serve for four years, unless a casual vacancy arises which may be filled by a by-election or co-option.
Parish councils vary enormously in size, activities and circumstances, representing populations ranging from less than 100 up to to 70,000. Most parish councils are small; with around 80% representing populations of less than 2,500.
Visit the Cornwall Association of Local Councils to find out more.
Parish councils are funded by levying a precept collected with the council tax paid by the residents of the parish. Parish councils have unpaid councillors who are elected to serve for four years, unless a casual vacancy arises which may be filled by a by-election or co-option.
Parish councils vary enormously in size, activities and circumstances, representing populations ranging from less than 100 up to to 70,000. Most parish councils are small; with around 80% representing populations of less than 2,500.
Visit the Cornwall Association of Local Councils to find out more.