Representing the community
A parish or town council is the tier of local government closest to its community and represents the interests of the people of the parish.
As such the views of the parish and town councils should be given weight by South Gloucestershire Council and central government when determining issues which will affect the parish. It is often thought that parish councils are associated with the parish church in a village, but this is not the case. A parish council representing a more urban area may choose to name itself a town council rather than a parish council.
Consultation
Consultations are sent to the parish clerk who brings the information to the parish council meeting for discussion and decisions by the councillors. South Gloucestershire Council are committed to working in partnership with the parish and town councils through the development of the South Gloucestershire Parish Charter. The charter sets out how we will involve, consult and assist the parish/town councils and what they will do in return.
The Parish Charter states that we will allow at least 6 weeks for consultation (except on planning applications), unless there are very special circumstances. It is therefore important that all South Gloucestershire Council Departments who consult with parish/town councils keep to this commitment.
The parish and town councils which have signed up to the charter have committed to make every effort to respond to consultations within the 6-week time period.
Reports
A further commitment of the Parish Charter is for South Gloucestershire Council to provide summary reports with long consultations (over 4 pages in length). Parish councils receive a large volume of information/consultation from South Gloucestershire Council and other organisations, and summary reports which pick out the key points are intended to make it easier for them to respond.