Information for parishioners wanting to be considered for co-option as Councillor for Horton Parish Council.

The Role of a Parish Council

A parish council is a local authority that makes decisions on behalf of the people in the parish and has an overall responsibility for the well-being of its local community. It is the level government closest to the community and its work 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 Role and Responsibilities of a Parish Councillor

Parish councillors act as ambassadors for their community, keeping everyone aware of local needs and concerns. Councillors represent the voice of their community as a whole, whilst being aware of, and considerate to, specific minority needs.

Responsibilities include (but not limited to):

• To determine council policy and provide community leadership; monitor and review council performance in implementing policies and delivering services; represent the council externally; and act as advocates for their residents/community

• Improve the quality of life and the environment in their local area.

• Work to identify issues that are important to the lives of the residents

• Be well-informed, especially about diverse local views. A councillor cannot assume they represent the interests of the residents without consulting them.

• Representing the views of residents in an objective and professional way.

• Make difficult decisions, in an open and reasoned way.

• Run local services, such as open spaces, play areas etc. (often done in conjunction with a team of willing volunteers undertaking various ‘manual’ tasks).

• Take accountability for their own designated areas of responsibilities; undertake actions from and report back at PC meetings.

• Support the roles and responsibilities of other councillors and the clerk.

• To comply at all times with the councillors’ Code of Conduct, the law, and such other policies, procedures, protocols and conventions agreed by the council, which includes attendance at PC meetings and good time keeping.

Chairs have additional responsibilities, which mean that they may have to have a closer working relationship with employees (clerk) than other councillors do.