Parish Councils are the most local level of government in England. They are made up of local people who are elected to represent their community and help improve life in the area. These Councils play a very important role in managing local services and making decisions that affect the everyday lives of people living in the Parish. Let’s break down what a Parish Council does, how it works, and how it helps local communities like Thurnham.
What Does a Parish Council Do?
Parish Councils have several responsibilities. They look after many local facilities such as parks, village halls, sports areas, and community centres. They can also take care of public spaces like footpaths, bus shelters, benches, allotments, cemeteries, and sometimes even street lights.
Apart from managing these services, they also support bigger projects in the area by working with other organisations like Borough or County Councils. Their job is to make sure the local area is clean, safe, and a nice place to live.
How Are Parish Councils Formed?
A Parish Council is made up of elected members called Councillors. These Councillors are chosen every four years by the people who live in the Parish. They come together to discuss important issues, make decisions, and plan how to improve the area.
There are currently 35 Parish Councils in the Maidstone borough. Each Parish Council has the freedom to work for the benefit of their area, while also staying within the rules and responsibilities given to them by the government.
How Do Parish Councils Work?
Parish Councils usually meet once a month. These meetings are open to the public, so anyone can attend and hear what’s being discussed. This allows people to understand how decisions are made and even share their opinions.
Every Parish Council also hires a Clerk. The Clerk is not elected but is appointed to help run the Council smoothly. They handle official paperwork, send and receive letters, prepare the meeting agenda, take minutes (notes) during meetings, and make sure that Councillors follow the rules.
How Do Parish Councils Get Their Funds?
To carry out their work, Parish Councils need money. They get this money through something called a “precept.” This is a small amount added to the Council Tax that residents already pay. The Parish Council decides each year how much money it needs and sets the precept accordingly. The funds raised are then used to maintain services and carry out community projects.
Thurnham Parish Council Example
Thurnham Parish Council is one of the many Parish Councils in the Maidstone area. It has nine Councillors who are usually elected by the people living in the Parish. The Council meets every month on the third Monday, except in January and August when they take a break. Just like other Parish Councils, Thurnham’s Councillors make decisions about the area, discuss local issues, and plan activities that benefit the community.
Why Parish Councils Are Important
Parish Councils are the closest form of government to the people. They understand the needs of their area better than larger councils because they live there too. They make sure local voices are heard and play an important role when bigger councils or government bodies make decisions that affect the area.
They are also asked for their opinions on important matters like new building plans, changes to local roads, and school issues. This helps ensure that the local community gets a say in what happens around them.
Parish Councils like the one in Thurnham are at the heart of local democracy. They work quietly in the background to keep our towns and villages running smoothly. Whether it’s maintaining a park, setting up community events, or speaking up about planning applications, Parish Councils make a big difference in everyday life. They are a key part of making local areas better places to live, work, and enjoy.
