What is a parish or town council?
There are over 8,700 parish and town councils representing around 16 million people across England. They form the most local level of government and cover many rural and urban areas.
What’s the difference between a parish council and a town council?
Not a great deal. They both have the same powers and can provide the same services. The only difference is that a town council has decided that it should be known as a town council instead of a parish council, and has a mayor.
What services can it provide?
A parish or town council has an overall responsibility for the well-being of its local community. 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
All Councillors adhere to the Parish Council Code of Conduct and complete a Register of Interests. Each Councillor has a different area to concentrate on particular aspects of its work.
What does the Parish Council do?
Whilst the Council has little in the way of direct power it has a reasonable amount of influence and is consulted by the unitary authority Wiltshire Council and national government on a wide range of issues. A good example of this is in relation to planning where the responsible authority is Wiltshire Council. All details of every planning application within the Parish are given to the Parish Council for review and comments are taken into account when decisions are reached.
Another example is highways where Wiltshire Council is the Highway Authority but which consults with the parish over any road scheme or traffic calming measure.
The Structure of Tockenham Parish Council - Councillors
Tockenham Parish Council is made up of five Councillors. Contact details as well as details of all roles and responsibilities can be found on the Councillor page of the website.
The Structure of Tockenham Parish Council - Staff
Tockenham Parish Council employ a part time Clerk. The Clerk reports to the Chair of the Parish Council and in their
absence to the Vice Chair.
What does Tockenham Parish Council provide?
Tockenham Parish Council provide the following:-
Play park and playing field
Bus shelter
Flower displays