What's a Parish Council?

Parish Councils form the most local level of government and cover many rural and urban areas. There are over 8,000 parish and town councils representing around 16 million people across England.
 
What Services can a Parish Council 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
* endeavouring to improve quality of life in the parish
* delivering services to meet local needs
 
A Parish Council might provide and/or maintain some of the following services:
Burial grounds, Community Transport Schemes, Footpaths, Bridleways,Bus Shelter, Car Sharing Schemes, Crime Prevention Measures, Encourage the use of Leisure Facilities.

It can also work with Carlisle City Council and Cumbria County Council for other services, for example:

Planning, Road Cleaning, Tourism Activities, Litter Bins, Local Youth Projects, Open Spaces and powers to utilise well, spring or stream and to provide facilities for obtaining water there from
 
How does the Parish Council make Decisions?

The parish council is made up of a number of councillors who meet regularly to make decisions on the work and direction of the council. As an elected body, the parish council is responsible to the people it represents: the local community.
 
Where does the Parish Council get its Money From?

Each year the Parish Council asks for a sum of money, called a ‘precept’, which is collected through your council tax. For the past few years Nicholforest Parish Council has chosen not to increase its precept. This money is used by the parish council to improve facilities and services for local people and run the Council. Parish councils can also apply for grants and loans.
 
How are Parish Councillors Elected?

Parish or town councillors are elected to represent a geographical area known as a ward. Councillors are people who live and work in the area and are elected by people who live in Nicholforest.