The Council as a Corporate Body

Parish Councils were created by statute in 1894 and have the power to raise money through taxation known as the precept, there is a range of powers for the Council to spend public money.

The Council is a single corporate body in law and no part can operate in isolation. All decisions made by the Council are the responsibility of the Council as a whole. A Council must do what the law requires it to and can undertake an activity only when a specific Act of Parliament allows it.

The Council has a duty to ensure that all the rules for the administration of the council are followed and is responsible for the policies, performance and activities.

The Parish Council is the 'grass root' tier of local government and has the ability to be closest to the Community to which it serves and represents, and has a duty to serve them all fairly and equitably taking into consideration different interests and concerns.

The Council can establish strong partnership links with the principal authorities such as the District Council, County Council and in some areas Unitary Councils to influence other decision makers for delivery of services to meet local needs and avoid double taxation.