What does a Parish Council Actually Do?

On 31 March 2002, England contained about 10,200 parishes, whose populations varied from single figures to nearly 49,000; areas from a few acres to nearly 100 square miles; and regular expenditure from a few pounds to £2,000,000. Of these 10,200 parishes, 8,629 have parish councils.

All parishes by law must assemble annually on some day between 1 March and 1 June. Any parish not having a parish council must meet at least twice a year. The Annual Parish Assembly for 2009 was held on Tuesday 5 May, 8pm in Pluckley Village Hall. Agenda

In England, the chairman of a parish council, any two parish councillors, or any six local government electors, may at any time convene a parish meeting. Seven clear days notice of the holding of a parish meeting must be given . If the business relates to the establishment or dissolution of a parish council, or the grouping of the parish with another, then at least fourteen days notice must be given. It must not be held in premises licensed for the sale of intoxicating liquor, unless there is no other suitable room available.
Minutes of every parish meeting must be kept in a book provided for that purpose and these must be signed at the next assembly of the parish meeting by the person presiding.

Every question is decided by the majority of those present and voting on the question. Each local government elector has the right to give one vote and no more on any question. The decision announced by the chairman is final, unless a poll is demanded.

Parish meetings have the general power to discuss parish affairs and pass resolutions, but these will not bind the parish council.

Information taken from The Parish Councillor’s Guide by John Prophet and Local Council Administration by Charles Arnold Baker.