What does the Parish Council do?

A parish council is a democratically elected authority given legal powers to run certain local facilities and services. Parish councillors are elected to represent the best interests of their local residents.

Parish councils need funds to support their activities. These funds are raised by adding an extra cost known as a “precept” to each householder’s Council Tax bill.

A Parish Clerk is employed to act in legal and administrative matters and as a point of contact. Tandridge District Council has to consult parish councils on all local planning issues, appeals, inquiries and licensing where they affect the parish.

Parish councils get involved in providing, maintaining and protecting areas such as:

• allotments
• churchyard & cemeteries
• open spaces & playing fields
• lighting
• litter control
• ponds, footpaths, roadside verges
• seats and shelters

as well as providing facilities for:

• entertainment
• arts & crafts
• public halls for social recreations or athletic pursuits
• swimming pools and public toilets

Parish Councils can also spend money outside these areas for any purpose considered to be of overall benefit for the area and its residents.