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 what we do / powers
Powers
Parish/Town councils can act only if they have the legal power to do so – that is, when a specific Act of Parliament allows it.
In practice there are few activities a parish council cannot undertake – however, if a specific power does not appear to exist section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972 gives a local council the power to do anything that will benefit, wholly or partly, the community. The expenditure must be commensurate with the benefit to the community and there is an annual limit of £5.44 (2006-07) per elector.
Local councils have specific powers (and a very limited number of duties) in relation to:
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Allotments |
Baths and washhouses |
Burial grounds, cemeteries & crematoria |
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Bus shelters |
Bye laws |
Charities |
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Christmas lights |
Citizens Advice Bureaux |
Clocks |
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Closed churchyards |
Commons & common pastures |
Conference facilities |
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Community centres |
Crime prevention |
Drainage |
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Entertainment & the arts |
Gifts |
Highways |
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Investments |
Land |
Litter |
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Lotteries |
Mortuaries and post mortem rooms |
Newsletters |
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Nuisances |
Open spaces |
Parish property & documents |
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Public buildings and village hall |
Public conveniences |
Parks & pleasure grounds |
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Recreation |
Town & Country Planning |
Tourism |
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Traffic calming |
Transport |
Village signs |
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War memorials |
Water supply |
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For further details – including relevant Acts of Parliament – click here.
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